Benefits of physical activity
Physical benefits
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of health problems. A (sitting a lot, with little or no activity) increases it.
| Benefit of being active | Consequence of a sedentary lifestyle | |
|---|---|---|
| Injury | Stronger muscles and bones | Weaker, so more easily injured |
| Lower risk | Higher risk | |
| Lower | Can become high | |
| Increases | Decreases (osteoporosis) | |
| Lower risk | Higher risk | |
| Lower risk | Higher risk | |
| Improves | Poorer, with back pain | |
| Improves | Falls |
Key terms
Emotional and social benefits
| Benefit of being active | Consequence of a sedentary lifestyle | |
|---|---|---|
| Self-esteem and confidence | Achieving goals and improving builds them | Can be lower |
| Takes the mind off worries; releases 'feel-good' hormones | Stress can build up | |
| Image | Can feel more positive about yourself | Can feel less positive |
| Friendship | Meet people and make friends at clubs | Fewer chances to meet people |
| Belonging to a group | Part of a team or club | Can feel left out |
| Loneliness | Less lonely | More lonely |
The first three are emotional; the last three are social.
Key terms
Different age groups
The benefits apply to everyone, but some matter more at different ages:
- Young people: build strong bones and good posture while growing, learn skills, make friends and build confidence. Example: joining a school netball team.
- Adults: manage the stress of work, and lower the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Example: a weekly five-a-side game with work friends.
- Older people: keep bone density, so bones are less likely to break; stay mobile and independent; and meet people, so they're less lonely. Example: a walking group or an exercise class at a community centre.
Exam tip
Questions often name an age group. Link the benefit to that group: 'an older person who lives alone might feel less lonely at a weekly walking group'.
Try it: responding to data
The table shows the percentage of people in each age group in one town who are active for at least 150 minutes a week. The data was written for this app.
| Age group | Active (%) |
|---|---|
| 16 to 34 | 70 |
| 35 to 54 | 62 |
| 55 to 74 | 55 |
| 75 and over | 35 |
- Describe the trend.
- How many percentage points lower is the 75 and over group than the 16 to 34 group?
- Give one consequence of the trend for older people's health.
Answers: 1. Activity falls as age increases, from 70% to 35%, and drops most after 75. 2. 70 − 35 = 35 percentage points. 3. For example, lower bone density, so bones break more easily; or more loneliness.