Taking part in regular sports or physical activity has incredible health and wellbeing benefits – and it can even extend your life for seven years or more[1].
Playing sports is something that is generally linked to children and younger adults – with participation waning the older we get.
Taking part in sport and physical activity, however, has many benefits – so if you’ve been thinking about reigniting a sporting passion, or simply getting your body moving again, here are the positives that lie ahead.
The physical and mental benefits of playing sport
1. Improvement to cardiovascular health. Research has shown that exercise prevents both the onset and development of cardiovascular disease[2] – helping strengthen the heart[3] and lungs[4]. Regular physical activity can also help lower blood pressure[5] and reduce the risk of heart disease,[6] too, by helping keep your weight under control, lowering cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.
2. Muscles get stronger and more flexible, helping us to avoid injuries and keeping our joints moving freely as we get older.[7] Exercise can also improve balance and coordination which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries in older adults.[8]
3. Can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.[9]
4. It can help you get a better night’s sleep which is vitally important from a health and wellbeing perspective.[10]
5. It could help you live longer, taking part in 150 minutes of physical activity a week can give you an extra seven years of life, while higher activity levels can increase your lifespan even more – regardless of your weight, age or gender.[11]
6. Stress and anxiety decrease. A number of studies have proven the link between playing sport and a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression.[12] When we’re physically active endorphins are released creating a feeling of wellbeing. Sport also provides an outlet for pent-up energy and emotions, and that break from the everyday is hugely valuable.
7. Mood and self-esteem increases[13] through achieving goals, building confidence and positive feedback.
8. You’ll meet new people, building those social connections can be incredibly valuable – it can create new friendships and reduce social isolation, which of course can positively impact physical and mental health, too!
Sources: [1]https://asf.org.au/the-benefits-of-sport [2]www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6557987/ [3]www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/benefits-of-physical-activity [4]https://lungfoundation.com.au/patients-carers/support-services/lung-disease-and-exercise/lungs-in-action/ [5]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974 [6]www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/3-kinds-of-exercise-that-boost-heart-health#:~:text=Being%20physically%20active%20is%20a,to%20heart%20attack%20or%20stroke [7]www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-flexibility#benefits [8]https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/J_Etnier_Physical_2010.pdf [9]www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/impact-of-physical-inactivity-chronic-conditions [10]www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important#4.-May-strengthen-your-heart [11]https://asf.org.au/the-benefits-of-sport [12]www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/ [13]www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6572041/14AusPlay survey, 2020-21
This publication is prepared by Actuate Alliance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 40 083 233 925, AFSL 240959) (‘Actuate’), a member of the Insignia Financial group of companies (‘Insignia Financial Group’). The information in this publication is general only and has not been tailored to individual circumstances. Before acting on this publication, you should assess your own circumstances or seek personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. This publication is current as at the date of issue but may be subject to change or be superseded by future publications. In some cases, the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed that the information is accurate and reliable, the accuracy of that information is not guaranteed in any way. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and it should not be relied on for any investment decision. Whilst care has been taken in preparing the content, no liability is accepted by any member of the Insignia Financial group, nor their agents or employees for any errors or omissions in this publication, and/or losses or liabilities arising from any reliance on this document. This publication is not available for distribution outside Australia and may not be passed on to any third person without the prior written consent of Actuate.
