Physical activities can improve the quality of life in adult men

Published on July 16, 2008 2:15 AM

The keys to longevity and improved quality of life for adult men are multivitamins, minerals, a healthy diet and most of all sport.

In addition, physical activity can be an important part of managing problems that might already be present, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol. In fact, heart disease is the U.S. adult male's number one killer. Heart disease remedy is exercise, yet only 40% of U.S. adults are physically active in their leisure time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight, and more than half are men. A Harvard study found that exercise equivalent to walking 20 miles/week burns enough calories to lower heart attack risk by 64%.

Lack of physical activity, along with poor nutrition, is a major contributor to the growing epidemic of obesity in the United States. Almost 30% of Americans have high cholesterol. That number increases to 50% for those between 60 and 69, and 75% for those over 70. A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise revealed that the odds of needing cholesterol medication are lowered by 64% with regular vigorous exercise like running, but even walking is significant. The risk of developing diabetes is four times greater in men who do not exercise.

Physical activity in older persons produces three types of health benefits:

• It can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease.
• It can aid in the management of active problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol.
• It can improve the ability to function and stay independent in the face of active problems like lung disease or arthritis.

The impact of exercise on men's health is very significant. In addition to running or walking, there are several indoor exercises that are also beneficial. Multivitamins and mineral supplements are also recommended - especially CoQ10, fish oils, calcium and magnesium, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

The large potential ability of regular physical activity to prevent chronic diseases and sustain active living means that an active lifestyle is a key component of healthy and successful aging.