Being physically active

What is physical activity?

• Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving, makes you breathe faster and speeds up your heart rate. 
• Physical activity includes incidental exercise (eg walking to a bus stop), exercise (eg going to the gym), sport (eg playing tennis) and muscle strengthening activities.  
• Physical activity can be either light (eg stretching or walking), moderate (eg a brisk walk) or vigorous (eg jogging).  
•  Staying active as you get older is important for good mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Benefits of being physically active

Physical benefits

• Reduce the risk of health issues (for example high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, heart disease and some cancers)
• Reduce the risk of having a fall
• Make it easier to live by yourself in your own home for longer
• Improves energy levels and sleep
• Helps to manage health conditions

Mental benefits

• Helps manage stress 
• Reduces the risk of anxiety and depression 
• Improves concentration 
• Improves memory 

Social benefits

• Getting out and being active is a great way to connect with your friends and family 
• Spend time playing with your grandchildren 
• Encourage each other by walking with friends 
• Join a physical activity group to meet new people 

Other benefits

• Walking instead of driving can help save the cost of petrol and parking fees  
• Staying healthy can reduce your healthcare costs in the long-term 
• Walking and cycling reduces your impact on the environment

Appetite for Life Manual

• This information is from the Appetite for Life Manual.  
• It has practical fact sheets to help health and community workers support clients.  
• It includes information on physical activity. 

View the Appetite for Life Manual here