Exercise Alert: 31 Million Older Americans Are At Risk For Diseases Due To Sedentary Lifestyle

Known to many, exercise is crucial in achieving and maintaining a healthy body. With this, having a sedentary lifestyle may put one's health at risk. Unfortunately, a recent study reveals that numerous older Americans do not engage in physical activities; hence, increasing their risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other types of diseases.

According to Tech Times, one out of four Americans aged 50 years and above lives a sedentary lifestyle. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) experts analyzed the findings from a 2014 national health survey in which being inactive was defined by moving just to complete daily routine activities. 31 million older Americans were reported to be physically inactive; they were comprised of 26 percent of men and 29 percent of women. Looking into race, 26 percent of whites and one-third of black and Hispanics were physically inactive. Meanwhile, Medical Xpress reported that 27 percent of other ethnic and racial groups were inactive as well.

Additionally, researchers have found that an individual is less likely to exercise as he or she gets older. Results show that 35 percent of Americans aged 75 were not physically active. The same thing goes for 25 percent of Americans aged 50 to 64 years and 27 percent of those who are 65 to 74 years old. Heavier people and those who have chronic diseases were likewise inactive.

According to study co-author Janet Fulton, any type and amount of physical activity can give benefits to adults. She added that exercise could help inactive adults get enough exercise can likewise help build healthier communities.

CDC stresses that having regular and enough exercise can lower risks for various types of diseases like diabetes, heart illnesses, cancer, dementia; and conditions like broken bones and falls. Needless to say, all the aforementioned facts are evidences that exercise indeed has great benefits to one's overall health.