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Why is physical activity important?

Physical activity is any type of movement that that requires more energy than when resting, it can often be unintentional such as walking to work, gardening, or doing household chores. Exercise, however, is more than this and is usually a planned and structured activity. Think of it this way: exercise is always physical activity but not all physical activity is exercise. 

Moving and being active is really good for us, especially as we get older. It can help with the prevention and management of many illnesses including cardiovascular disease (see our section on Heart health), type-2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer (see our section on Cancer) and many more.

In the video on the left, you can watch Professor Cassandra Szoeke discuss findings from a study that tracked the health and wellbeing of older women for more than 30 years. On the right we have included a video from Active Ageing, in which people discussing what they love about keeping physically active as they get older.

When we are active, we can move around easier, have better balance and recover from illness faster. This helps us maintain our independence for daily activities (see our section on Independence).  

Being active is not just good for our physical health, it’s great for our mental health too (see our section on Mental health). Physical activity is known to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, boost our moods and improve our sleep quality. Not to mention, it’s a great way to meet people, make friends, learn new things and feel good about ourselves! 

References

ABC News (2021) Navigating NDIS an exhausting and disempowering process, people with disabilities say 

Active and Healthy NSW (2017) Exercise at home 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012) Australia’s health 2012  

Bauman A, Merom D, Bull FC, Buchner DM, Singh, MAF (2016) Updating the evidence for physical activity: summative reviews of the epidemiological evidence, prevalence, and interventions to promote "active aging". The Gerontologist. 56(S2), S268-S280 

Better Health (2015) Physical activity – choosing the one for you 

Better Health (2015) Physical activity – staying motivated 

Better Health (2022) Exercise programs 

Better Health (2022) Physical activity – how to get started 

Better Health (2023) Physical activity for seniors  

Better Health (2023) Physical activity – overcoming excuses 

Cheung C (2014) Yoga for managing knee osteoarthritis in older women: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 14(1):160 

COTA Victoria (2023) Victoria together living stronger exercise series 

COTA Victoria (2023) Social and wellbeing 

Department of Health (2012) Development of evidence based physical activity of adults 

Department of Health and Aged Care (2021) Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians 

Department of Health and Aged Care (2022) For people with disability or chronic conditions 

Exercise Right (2023) 10 important messages for those living with chronic pain 

Exercise Right (n.d.) Chronic conditions 

Exercise Right (n.d.) Exercise for disabilities 

Get Active Victoria (2023) Resources 

HM (2002) Effects of Tai Chi exercise on balance, functional mobility, and fear of falling among older women. Applied Nursing Research. 15(4): 253-242 

Izquierdo M, Merchant RA, Morley JE, et al. (2021) International exercise recommendations in older adults (ICFSR): Expert consensus guidelines. The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing. 25(7): 824-853 

Langhammer B, Bergland A, Rydwik E (2018) The importance of physical activity exercise among older people. Biomed Research International 

Lee YS (2005) Gender differences in physical activity and walking among older adults. Journal of Women and Aging. 17(1):55-70 

Nevo Zisin (n.d.) Finding Nevo 

Older Women’s Network NSW (2016) Not all our bits work perfectly, let’s look after the bits that still do: Enhancing the health and wellbeing of older women

Thomas E, Battaglia G, Patti A, et al. (2019) Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly: a systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 98(27) 

UN Women (2023) Safe cities and safe public spaces – At a glance 

Wallbank G, Sherrington C, Hassett L, et al. (2020) Active women over 50 online information and support to promote physical activity behaviour change: study protocol for a pilot trial. Pilot Feasibility Studies. 6(91) 

Wallbank G, Sherrington C, Hassett L, et al. (2022) Active women over 50: promoting physical activity in women over 50: a randomized trial. American Journal of Health Promotion. 36(2): 305-309 

Wolf R, Locks P, Lopes PB, et al. (2020) Multicomponent exercise training improves gait ability of older women rather than strength training: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Ageing Research 

Women’s Health Victoria (2023) Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

World Health Organisation (2020) Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour 

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