Between the pace and busyness of life, and the way we engineer so many opportunities for movement out of our lives, it is easy to overlook the fundamental importance of physical activity in our daily lives. Yet, movement is not just beneficial—it's essential for our overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
So we thought it was a good idea to feature this article from our partner, Synergy Health, to provide you with practical, age-appropriate advice for staying active, healthy, and independent, empowering you to embrace physical activity as a lifelong companion to wellbeing.
Physical activity is more than just a way to stay fit or lose weight. Our physiology is intrinsically tied to our daily movement and is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle that offers numerous benefits:
However, the key to reaping these benefits lies in understanding that our physical activity needs change as we age. What works for a teenager may not be suitable for someone in their 60s, and vice versa.
Find more articles and resources on movement and exercise here.
Our bodies and lifestyles evolve as we move through different stages of life. Consequently, our approach to physical activity should adapt as well. In this series, we explore five key life stages:
Each life stage article delves into the unique physical activity needs, challenges, and opportunities of that age group. We provide practical advice, tailored recommendations, and strategies to help you make physical activity an enjoyable and sustainable part of your daily life.Regardless of your age, there are four fundamental aspects of physical activity that remain crucial throughout your life:
Regular low-intensity physical activity, like brisk walking or cycling, helps build and maintain a healthy heart and lungs.
Resistance training is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall functional strength as we age.
High-intensity activities, when done safely and appropriately, can boost your metabolism, improve your power output, and enhance overall fitness.
In our modern world, prolonged sitting has become a significant health risk. Breaking up sedentary time and increasing overall daily movement is crucial at every life stage.
While this series focuses on physical activity, it's crucial to remember that regular health check-ups play a vital role in maintaining overall wellness. Just as our physical activity needs change with age, so do our health assessment requirements.
For a comprehensive overview of recommended health checks across all life stages and links to information and resources in New Zealand and Australia, please refer to our article Lifelong Health Assessments: Your Body WOF Guide.
Remember, the goal of physical activity isn't to achieve a certain body type or to compete with others (though you can certainly build such endeavours on a solid foundation of movement and physical activity). In the first instance at least, it's about nurturing your body, enhancing your quality of life, and maintaining your ability to do the things you love as you age.
Whether you're just starting your physical activity journey or looking to adapt your routine to a new life stage, "Movement Matters" is here to guide you. We invite you to explore the articles for each life stage, explore the resources and try out the recommendations on this site, and find joy in movement at every age.
With your friends and family, you can embark on this journey together, celebrating the importance of movement and embracing physical activity as a lifelong companion to health and happiness.
Remember, every step counts. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.