Benefits of Physical Activity on Ageing Free Essay Example, 4250 words

Rates of depression increase with age, while motivation decreases, leading to a decrement in daily function and increased hospital mortality . The most noticeable changes in the body are in the musculoskeletal system. Body mass decreases while fat content increases, the motion in the joints diminish and the muscle strength and endurance decrease. Bone density loss is another concern, especially in women. Muscle strength decreases rapidly after age 50 and is more rapid in women especially around the time of menopause. Mazzeo et al (1988) also describe the changes in muscles as humans age. They report a study that indicates that 40% of the female population aged 55-64 yr, 45% of women aged 65-74 yr, and 65% of women aged 75-84 yr were unable to lift 4.5 kg. . They discuss the important results of loss of muscle strength in older people. One of the significant effects is on walking speed which of course affects the everyday life of the elder person. As the walking becomes affected the individual becomes more and more sedentary. As less energy is expended the basal metabolic rate decreases. We will write a custom essay sample on Benefits of Physical Activity on Ageing or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page Once set in motion, this vicious cycle is very difficult to interrupt . (Buckwalter, 1997). Age-related changes in joint structures also affect individuals.