Physical Activity’s Impact on Health and Quality of Life

One secret to a healthy lifestyle is to get physical – just keep moving. The better-known benefits include helping people live longer and keeping weight in check, as well as lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic diseases. For example, research shows that every move counts toward improving cardiovascular health, with even small increases in activity linked to better outcomes.

But physical activity also can have an impact on many other areas, including some that may sound a little abstract but might feel as if they have a more direct effect on day-to-day life.

“Scientifically, there’s ‘global’ quality of life, which generally encompasses an individual’s judgment of their satisfaction with life,” said Elizabeth Salerno, a behavioral scientist at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “Then there’s health-related quality of life, which includes physical, mental and social aspects of well-being.” In fact, staying active, even slightly confers major longevity and quality-of-life benefits.

The evidence that physical activity can boost these quality-of-life measures is just as strong as it is that activity can lower the risk of chronic diseases. “Findings from multiple studies have demonstrated that people who receive physical activity interventions have better quality-of-life outcomes over time compared to those who did not get the interventions,” she said. Losing even a modest amount of weight through activity can dramatically improve your quality of life, as some studies emphasize the importance of physical activity for both body and mind.

Guidelines for physical activity

The recommended guideline to get 150 minutes or more of physical activity each week is a great goal to work toward. But just moving more, whatever the starting point, likely has benefits, too. Activities like walking and cycling have been associated with weight loss and improved health over time. Gardening and dancing are activities that also can be included. People can creatively piece these exercises and activities together throughout their busy days and weeks.

“Any bit of activity counts toward your total,” Salerno said. “That means that a quick five-minute walk to the store or a 60-second jog up or walk down the stairs contributes to better health. Structured, goal-oriented exercise is still important, but maintaining a physically active lifestyle as much as possible is crucial.” Even a few minutes of activity can support heart health and reduce blood pressure.

–Alan Goforth