How does physical activity promote longevity?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The many remarkable benefits of regular physical activity are not limited to the young. Compared with those who are inactive, older adults who are active weigh less; have greater strength and flexibility, reduced inflammation, increased bone density, more endurance, and better balance; and they live longer. Perhaps most importantly, they enjoy better overall health. They reap additional benefits from various activities as well: aerobic activities improve cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and blood lipid concentrations; moderate-endurance activities improve the quality of sleep; and strength training improves posture and mobility. In fact, regular physical activity is the most powerful predictor of a person’s mobility in the later years. Mobility, in turn, is closely associated with longevity. Physical activity also increases blood flow to the brain, thereby preserving mental ability, alleviating depression, supporting independence, and improving quality of life.
Muscle mass and muscle strength tend to decline with aging, making older people vulnerable to falls and immobility. Falls are a major cause of fear, injury, disability, and even death among older adults. Many lose their independence as a result of falls. Regular physical activity tones, firms, and strengthens muscles, helping to improve balance, restore confidence, reduce the risk of falling, and lessen the risk of injury should a fall occur.
Even without a fall, older adults may become so weak that they can no longer perform life’s daily tasks, such as climbing stairs, carrying packages, and opening jars. Resistance training helps older adults to maintain independence by improving mobility and muscle strength to perform these tasks. Even in frail, elderly people older than 85 years of age, strength training not only improves balance, muscle strength, and mobility, but it also increases energy expenditure and energy intake, thereby enhancing nutrient intakes. This finding highlights another reason to be physically active: a person who is committed to an ongoing fitness program can benefit from higher energy and nutrient intakes and still maintain a healthy body weight.