What is “movement is medicine”?
Indeed, “movement as medicine” highlights the propensity of active individuals to maintain healthier muscles, a principle that holds particularly true for those over the age of 65. As reported in The New York Times, a fascinating study revealed that individuals in their 70s could exhibit muscle health that was practically indistinguishable from that of a 25-year-old. The common thread among these older adults was their unwavering commitment to an active lifestyle over the course of several decades. From a biological standpoint, it was as though these individuals were approximately 30 years younger than their chronological age. This underscores the profound impact that sustained physical activity can have on one’s muscular health and overall well-being.
The hidden benefits
In contrast to numerous medications that frequently address a single specific issue, physical activity offers a multitude of advantages. Maintaining a regimen of regular physical activity stands as one of the simplest methods to lower your susceptibility to chronic diseases and enhance your overall well-being. Transitioning to the benefits of physical activity, often referred to as exercise, it becomes evident that it has the capacity to enhance your health and diminish the likelihood of developing various diseases. For instance, it can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Prioritize physical activity in order to:
- Improve your memory and brain function across all age groups
- Protect against many chronic diseases
- Aid in weight management
- Lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and improve heart health
- Improve your quality of sleep
- Lower your risk of falls
- Combat fatigue, including cancer-related fatigue
- Improve joint pain, stiffness and mobility
- Have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis
- Increase life span
Numerous studies have uncovered the positive impact of exercise on managing depression and anxiety disorders. First and foremost, individuals who engage in regular exercise tend to experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those with a less active lifestyle. Moreover, clinical trials have further demonstrated that regular exercise, particularly of moderate intensity, can serve as an effective supplementary treatment. This is particularly noteworthy in cases of both melancholic and non-melancholic depression.
Regular exercise may alleviate symptoms of depression by:
- Increasing energy levels
- Improving sleep
- Distracting from worries and rumination
- Providing social support and reducing loneliness
- Empowering individuals to take an active role in their own well-being can lead to an increase in their sense of control and self-esteem.
Let’s get moving!
Our mission is to redefine the way people perceive aging. We believe that your age should not condemn you to a sedentary lifestyle. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that taking charge of your mobility stands as the cornerstone of maintaining good health as you age. In other words, age should not be viewed as a limiting factor but rather as an opportunity to embrace an active and fulfilling life. Call us at 503.640.2800 to made an appointment with Dr. Wendy to assess your health status, fitness levels, establish goals and make sure your risk of injury is diminished.