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You will find that a lot of these older people possess a sense of inner peace, and many are very proud of their longevity. In addition, these people are testament to
multitude of studies conducted on
many benefits of exercise. One of which is improved psychological condition.
In fact physical activity may have a multifold effect on a person’s psychological state. First of all, evidence has shown that certain forms of exercise trigger
release of chemical substances in
brain which have a positive effect on mental attitude.
Secondly, regular exercise improves body composition, by reducing body fat and increasing lean body mass. As a result a person’s physical appearance improves and becomes more appealing, triggering feelings of accomplishment and self satisfaction.
Consequently,
subject’s self image improves as
state of mind switches to a more positive level. Being in this state more often, enables
person to be more resourceful, better able to handle crisis situations. As we can see,
benefits of exercise participation come in a snow ball type of effect.
Along with improved physical appearance and psychological condition, there are many other health benefits of regular exercise. Exercise participation, studies show, has tremendous positive effects on human health. Even a low intensity exercise activity like walking, for example, can substantially improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (4)
In summary, exercise activity, whether in
form of an organized extra curricular activity, or a product of a particular lifestyle, is a legitimate factor in living a long life. Although there is no one secret ingredient to longevity, exercise plays a very important role. There are other factors that come in to play as well such as preventative nutrition, stress management and avoidance of excessive lifestyles.
Striving to maintain a good balance between all
above factors and to follow a principle of variety and moderation with all aspects of life would be good advice.
References:
1 CNN.com, “Diabetes and heart disease: Overcoming
odds”, retrieved 15 Jan. 2005 from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DA/00052.html
2 healthandage.com, “Centenarians - The Role of Genetics”, retrieved 16 Jan. 2005 from http://www.healthandage.com/PHome/gid2=2899
3 http://www.hsph.harvard.edu, “Study Finds that Both Weight and Exercise Are Key to Longevity”, retrieved 17 Jan. 2005 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press12222004.html
4 http://www.physsportsmed.com, “Exercise in Treating Hypertension - Tailoring Therapies for Active Patients”, retrieved 18 Jan. 2005 from http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2002/03_02/lowenthal.htm
