Physical Activity Through The Life Span

Children

• Statistics show that the rate of physical activity decreases sharply after the age of 12.
• Canadian children and youth (over the age of 12) are up to 40% less active than they were 30 years ago.
• 40% of children and youth over the age of 12 have one or more risk factors for heart disease.
• Only 10% of Canadian youth are active enough to receive the health benefits associated with regular physical activity.
• Children who are more active have healthier lifestyles, smoke less and have reduced drug use.
• Children aged 5-12 who have daily school physical education or exercise programs have less stress and discipline problems, less morbidity, better attendance records, better growth and development, and parallel (if not better) academic records.

Family

• Research shows that the earlier you become physically active on a regular basis, the greater the benefits.
• Parents have to provide more opportunities for their children to develop basic skills such as; running, jumping, throwing, and catching.
• There is truth to the expression "A family that plays together, stays together."
• Physical activity has been proven to be beneficial not only during pregnancy but also during the months preceding conception (see Preconceptional Health - Shaping Up!).

Seniors

• Aging is hastened by a sedentary lifestyle.
• Half of what we once thought of as age-related limitations are now known to be diseases of "disuse" that lead to the degeneration and functional loss of muscle and bone tissue.
• Regular physical activity can extend a person’s functional capacity.
• Physical activity improves flexibility, strength, and bone mass density therefore improving mobility and decreasing falls in the elderly. (see Injury Prevention - Prevention of Falls in Older Adults)
• A physically active and fit senior is able to remain in the community longer, caring for him/herself.