Proper exercise and movement could literally save your life.
Studies repeatedly show that regular exercise can help prevent or reduce the effects of hypertension, obesity, heart disease, cancer, stroke and osteoporosis.
But perhaps the most direct link between exercise and mortality comes from the elderly. A proper quality and quantity of movement (especially spinal movement) can greatly reduce your risk of falls and even more crucially fractures.
Studies show that more than a third of the elderly aged over 65 fall each year and that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the elderly. Even more worrying though is that falls are also the leading cause of fatal injuries in the elderly. In fact between 18% and 33% of elderly people with hip fractures die within 1 year of their fracture.
The good news is that regular movement and exercise can help reduce this risk. In fact In fact one 1995 study, showed that exercising women had half the risk of hip fracture compared with those that spent less than 4 hours per day on their feet.
The other good news is that it is never too late to start.
Studies have shown amongst other thing that subjects 75 years of age or older increased muscle strength up to 21% after 3 months of resistance training. Whilst another study examined 40 elderly women using weighted vests during exercise and showed improvements in balance, strength and power.
And remember that it is not just about balance. If you want to get the most benefit out of your exercise regardless of your age you need to consider the 10 recognised general fitness skills: endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. If you are not addressing all of these 10 areas then you will not be as healthy as someone who does, simple as that.
So regardless of your age, and with the guidance of your health care provider, get out there and get moving!
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