Physical Activity across the Lifespan

Physical Activity across the Lifespan

Introduction

A lifespan perspective suggests that individual histories, habitual patterns of behaviors, and personality will influence subsequent behaviors (Thorne et.al 2000). This project uses a lifespan perspective to empirically assess links between personality, physical activity, and health and to examine long-term predictors and outcomes of different patterns of physical activity.

Although the term "physical activity" has been used to describe anything from movement that an individual performs during the day to intricately designed exercise programs, a basic definition of physical activity simply refers to body movement resulting in energy expenditure (Sallis et.al 2002). Federal recommendations for increasing physical activity are primarily focused on physical activity done specifically for health benefits (Sallis et.al 2009). Activity has been measured in various ways, including self-report, electronic devices (e.g., pedometers, heart rate monitors), and physiological measures.

There is no gold standard in measurement; all measures have strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of what to use is influenced by the focus of the study (e.g., broad patterns of activity versus detailed studies on intensity), sample size (epidemiological studies of hundreds of people versus detailed studies on a few individuals), and cost (financial costs, participant burden, researcher resource (National Association for Sport and Physical Education 2003).

Activity can be characterized by type, intensity, frequency, duration, or some combination. A commonly used measure is metabolic equivalent (MET) ratings. One MET is equivalent to the energy expended by an individual sitting quietly doing nothing, and measurement ranges from .9 METs (sleeping) to 18 METs (running at a five and half minute pace). METs are broken down into sedentary activity (less than 3 METs), moderate activity (3 to 5.9 METs), and vigorous activity (6 or more METs). This study uses self-reported leisure time activities, translated into MET values, to operationalize physical activity (Mckenna et.al 2008).

Interview

Richard is 66 years old. He lives in Sydney, Australia. He worked as the associate manager in constructions and retired now. He is physically and mentally fit and spending his successful life with his family. We conducted an interview with him.

Discuss the benefits of physical activity?

Richard: Physical activity has been associated with a broad array of positive health and well-being outcomes. Physical activity relates to better self-rated health, less disease, and improved function with chronic illnesses. Exercise has demonstrated benefits in preventing and coping with an array of chronic conditions, including insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, COPO, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, intermittent claudication, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, and asthma. Cardiovascular system performance, muscle and bone strength, and overall fitness typically decrease with age, but evidence suggests that less decline occurs in active individuals (Blumenthal & Gullete, 2002).

Further, physical activity may be protective from mortality. Physical activity also relates to positive mental, social, and cognitive factors. Activity may impact mental health in four domains: it may help prevent depression, it may help treat depression and other mental disorders, it can increase quality of life and coping ability for those with incurable mental ...