Use it or lose it.

Get off your couch and into the garden


Here's one from ScienceDaily (Nov. 29, 2007) — Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, UK, have found a direct link between levels of physical activity in middle age and physical ability later in life.

They followed 10,000 people aged 50 to 69 over 6 years looking at activity levels and later disabilities.

Here's what they found:
Middle-aged people who kept up a reasonable level of physical activity were more likely be able to walk distances, climb stairs, maintain their sense of balance, stand from a seated position with their arms folded, or sustain their hand grip as they get older. Of sedentary people, 24% developed one of these disabilities over the 6 year peoriod! That's huge! Difficulty standing up and climbing stairs. Come on! What kind of quality of life will you have if you have trouble doing these? 24% developed problems in just 6 years! Think about what else you won't be able to do. Let's see.... how about.... everything!

The active group had half the disability rate. How active were these people? Elite athletes? Marathon runners? Fitness freaks? No. They did stuff like gardening, sports, physically active job, or heavy housework 3 times a week.

A little activity goes a long way.

So roll off your couch and move, people!! You'll get out of your chair by yourself to thank me in six years!

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