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Exercise: Never to late to start
By: Jill Miyamura, Ph.D.
12/7/2009
Exercise is important at all ages. Hawai'i's rates have been consistently better than the U.S. average and have improved from 1990 when one in three residents reported they had no leisure time physical activity. Today, 80 percent of Hawaii’s residents find time to exercise at some level, with little change as one grows older. In fact, in 2008, 77 percent of Hawaii seniors aged 65 and older exercised at some regularity compared to only 67 percent nationwide.

The adoption and maintenance of regular physical activity are important components of a healthy routine and provide multiple opportunities to improve and maintain health. Moderate physical activity (15 to 30 minutes a day) can substantially reduce depression and the risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. Maybe this is one of Hawaii’s “secrets” for living longer!

It is never too late to start!
 
For more information on the Physical Activity of Hawaii's population, visit Health Trends in Hawaii website at http://www.healthtrends.org/status_behave_noleisure.aspx

Source: www.healthtrends.org and the Hawai`i State Department of Health, Health Promotion and Education Office, Hawaii's Health Risk Behaviors.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.


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