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Physical Activity Benefits in Active Ageing

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Book cover Active Ageing and Physical Activity

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research ((BRIEFSWELLBEING))

Abstract

Ageing is a biosocial process which results in the loss of capacity over time. This decline is gradual and can significantly vary from individual to individual, according to their genetic, morphological and functional characteristics. This chapter shows that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of prevalence of chronic diseases in agieng and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality of the elderly. For example, physically active elderly can have higher levels of functionality, improved cognitive performance and a lower risk of falling. On this basis, a physical activity programme can minimize the motor decline in the elderly, preventing the loss of functionality or inability of states, thus promoting significant health benefits. One can also state that more physically active older individuals have lower ratios of mortality, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type-2 diabetes, colon cancer and breast cancer.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    MET is a unit used to quantify the intensity of physical activity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education (CIDAF), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo Dias & Pedro Mendes

  2. Ingeniarius, Ltd, Coimbra, Portugal

    Micael Santos Couceiro

  3. Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal

    Maria de Lurdes Almeida

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  1. Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo Dias
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  2. Micael Santos Couceiro
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  3. Pedro Mendes
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  4. Maria de Lurdes Almeida
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Correspondence to Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo Dias .

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Dias, G., Couceiro, M., Mendes, P., de Lurdes Almeida, M. (2017). Physical Activity Benefits in Active Ageing. In: Active Ageing and Physical Activity. SpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52063-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52063-6_2

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