Benefits of Recreation

Courtesy of the World Health Organization

The health benefits of regular physical activity are many. At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, for example brisk walking, is enough to bring many of these effects. However, by increasing the level of activity, the benefits will also increase.

Regular Physical Activity

• reduces the risk of dying prematurely;
• reduces the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, which are responsible for one-third of all deaths;
• reduces the risk of developing heart disease or colon cancer by up to 50%;
• reduces the risk of developing Type II diabetes 50%;
• helps to prevent / reduce hypertension, which affects one-fifth of the world's adult population;
• helps to prevent / reduce osteoporosis, reducing the risk of hip fracture by up to 50% in women;
• reduces the risk of developing lower back pain;
• promotes psychological well-being, reduces stress, anxiety and feelings of depression and loneliness;
• helps prevent or control risky behaviours, especially among children and young people, like tobacco, alcohol or other substance use, unhealthy diet or violence;
• helps control weight and lower the risk of becoming obese by 50% compared to people with sedentary lifestyles;
• helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints and makes people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina; and
• can help in the management of painful conditions, like back pain or knee pain.

We all know that physical activity - taking a walk, riding a bike, dancing or playing - simply makes you feel better. But regular physical activity brings about many other benefits. It not only has the potential to improve and maintain good health, but it can also bring with it important social and economic benefits.

Physical Activity and Youth

Regular physical activity provides young people with important physical, mental and social health benefits.

• regular practice of physical activity helps children and young people to build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints;
• helps control body weight, helps reduce fat and develop efficient function of the heart and lungs;
• contributes to the development of movement and coordination and helps prevent and control feelings of anxiety and depression;
• studies show that among adolescents, the more often they participate in physical activity, the less likely they are to use tobacco;
• children who are more physically active showed higher academic performance;
• team games and play promote positive social integration and facilitate the development of social skills in young children;
• patterns of physical activity acquired during childhood and adolescence are more likely to be maintained throughout the life span, thus providing the basis for active and healthy life;
• ample participation in play, games and other physical activities, both in school and during free time, is essential for the healthy development of every young person; and
• access to safe places, opportunities and time, and good examples from teachers, parents and friends are all part of ensuring that children and young people move for health.

Physical Activity and Seniors

For people of all ages, physical activity improves the quality of life in many ways.

• improved and increased balance, strength, coordination, flexibility and endurance which can help prevent falls - a major cause of disability among older people;
• improved mental health, motor control and cognitive function;
• active lifestyles provide older persons with regular occasions to make new friendships, maintain social networks, and interact with other people of all ages;
• the prevalence of mental illness is lower among people who are physically active;
• while being active from an early age can help prevent many diseases, regular movement and activity can also help relieve the disability and pain associated with these conditions;
• physical activity improves self-confidence and self-sufficiency - qualities that are the foundation of psychological well-being; and
• walking, swimming, stretching, dance, gardening, hiking and cycling are all excellent activities for older persons.

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