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The Benefits of Keeping Fit
By Dr. Patrick J. Bird, Ph.D.
Perhaps Hippocrates said it best in 400 BC, "All parts
of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and
exercised in labors to which each is accustomed, become thereby
healthy and well developed, and age slowly; but if unused
and left idle, they become liable to disease, defective in
growth, and age quickly." Here are a few eye-opening
facts regarding the role of exercise as we grow older.
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Fit older folks tend to be mentally sharper
than those who are less fit. Exercise (next to education)
helps to maintain mental abilities as we age. It seems that
regular exercise may help preserve the functional capacity
of the brain (nerve activity, blood flow, etc.). The activity
improves sleep, which revitalizes the mind. And by protecting
us from cardiovascular and other diseases, exercise also
protects us from the mental decline that is sometimes associated
with these conditions.
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People who exercise regularly and otherwise
remain healthy can generally expect by age 65 to have lost
only one-fifth or less of their peak functional capacities
of agility, endurance, flexibility, and strength –
while their sedentary peers will have lost one-half or more.
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An overly relaxed, sedentary lifestyle can
result in a steep decline in both vigor and the simple ability
to do everyday tasks.
Dr. Bird is Dean of the College of Health & Human Performance
at UF. He has a weekly newspaper column, Keeping Fit, which
appears in all New York Times regional newspapers as well as
the St. Petersburg Times.
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