This is a claim that sports mongers always like to make to ward off physical activity. And then Churchill’s “No sports” is quoted (although Churchill did a lot of sports in his younger years), the famous first marathon runner is mentioned, who collapsed dead in the market place after his run from Marathon to Athens. And in the daily press there are always reports of people dying suddenly after physical activity.
Low risk
However, according to various studies, the risk of premature death after exercise is exceptionally low. It is estimated that in a group of 100,000 middle-aged men, six deaths occur annually after exercise – with the risk being greatest in the first hour after exercise and higher for people who are predominantly sedentary than for people who exercise and are trained daily.
Benefits of exercising
On the other hand, exercise reduces cardiovascular-related deaths from 70 to 40 per 10,000 person-years – that is, 30 can be saved annually in a group of 10,000 people if they exercise. After all, their blood pressure drops, the heart gets a workout and the body’s blood and oxygen supply improves – all effects that could prevent heart attacks and strokes and increase life expectancy.
There are many ways to exercise. Whether it’s soccer, tennis, swimming, jogging, Nordic walking, volleyball, cycling or inline skating. And: sports not only make you fit, but also fun, slim and more attractive.
Plea for sports in old age
Sport cannot prevent aging. Properly used, however, it increases performance, cerebral blood flow, vitality and resistance to diseases of all kinds. Even when you reach 70, physical learning doesn’t stop.
- Motor skills can be trained even at an advanced age.
- Movement promotes breathing and circulation, the two essential elements of life. This promotes the joy of life in the most natural way.
- Note: After a long break from sports, you should avoid sports that require a high degree of body control, strength and speed.
