Oh, physical activity, one of the holy grails of health and longevity. No doubt. While doing research on the latest data of physical activity of individuals, it was found that adults over 55 years of age report the highest percentage of physical activity over younger adults. Can you believe that?
Percent of adults who achieve at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (or an equivalent combination) †
† Respondents were classified as active if they reported at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity, or a combination of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity activity (multiplied by two) totaling at least 150 minutes per week. Muscle-strengthening includes activities such as yoga, sit-ups, or push-ups and those using weight machines, free weights, or elastic bands. Adults aged ≥ 18 years. Respondents whose physical activity level could not be categorized due to missing physical activity data were excluded. Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Now, a possible explanation needs to be made for such findings. Below is our take with a twist. Nothing scientific, rather speculative based on life stages. Give it a thought and see if you can come up with other possible explanations.
Age 18 -24 – I participate in athletics, sports, or go regularly to gyms to stay in shape, but then I slack.
Age 25 -34 – Wait a minute… my current job demands and social life place doing exercise as a second or third priority in my life.
Age 35 -44 – I have kids and may play games and sports with them, or maybe the plain chore of raising a family naturally increases my physical activity.
Age 45 – 54 – My kiddos are teenagers so there is time to relax. I keep busy with demanding work at top of my career, and I may workout sporadically when I am not tired.
Age 55 – 64 – Oh no! This is the last chance to help my body defeat the visible start of aging. The first signs of a fatty tummy or body aches are showing up in my body. Time to panic and start exercising. Yikes.
Ages 65 and over – If I don’t remain physically active within my body limits, then my body may get in worse shape. Programs such as SilverSneakers and Renew Active promote physical activity in old age in the USA.
If you are not physically active, do you have any good reason for it? What can you do about it?
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