Originally published on harcourthealth.com
Aging is inevitable, and while we all age at the same rate, genetics and lifestyle can impact the effects of aging. Science has shown how lifestyle plays an essential role in how we are affected by the aging process. Exercise is one lifestyle habit that delays the effects of aging; here, Daniel Calugar shares five reasons why.
After checking with your doctor to learn about what physical activity is recommended for you, develop an exercise program to realize these anti-aging benefits.
Exercise will help you avoid heart disease.
Studies have shown that physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Sedentary people are twice as likely to develop heart disease. For healthy adults, physical activity will enable you to stay healthy for as long as possible. If you have had a heart attack in the past, staying active is a critical factor to help prevent another one.
Exercise will lower your risk of injury.
The more physically fit you are, the lower your risk of injury. Research suggests that regular exercise can reduce your risk of death by 20 to 40%. Exercise will help reduce bone loss and increase muscle; stronger bones and more powerful muscles will help you avoid future injury. You will be able to add more strenuous exercise to your regimen as your strength increases.
Exercise helps strengthen your heart.
The benefits of a healthy heart go beyond a lower risk of a heart attack. A healthy heart will give you more energy, and thirty minutes or more of daily exercise may help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. You will look and feel younger as you increase your heart’s ability to pump blood throughout your body.
Exercise will lower your risk of mobility disability.
Exercise, especially activities that require stretching, will increase your range of motion, flexibility, and sense of balance. Flexible, strong muscles with a good range of motion will significantly lower your risk of suffering mobility limiting injuries such as torn tendons or joint damage. A recent study in the U.S. suggested that being physically active decreased the risk of mobility disability by 28 percent and the risk of significant mobility disability by 18 percent.
Exercise provides psychological benefits.
Increased blood flow will help you stay mentally sharp. Exercise has been shown to enhance your mood and even help alleviate mild to moderate depression. Additionally, physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and contribute to overall better mental health.
About Daniel Calugar
Daniel Calugar is a data-driven investor with an academic and professional background in computer science, business, and law. He developed a passion for investing due to frequent interaction with investment professionals who serviced his legal clients’ investment needs. As a tax partner at the Atlanta law firm of Hansell & Post and the global law firm of Jones Day, he incorporated his partnership interest to set up and serve as trustee for his tax-qualified profit-sharing plan. Calugar utilized his technical skill set to design computer programs that would help him make more effective investment decisions. When Dan is not working, he enjoys spending time working out and being with friends and family. As a pilot with over 2000 hours of single-pilot experience flying business jets, he enjoys flying volunteer flights for Angel Flight.