Exercise & Movement
Description
Exercise and movement are critical for achieving longevity, health, and peak performance. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers while supporting healthy aging by maintaining cardiovascular health, regulating blood sugar, and reducing inflammation. Movement also strengthens muscles, bones, and joints, combating age-related declines like osteoporosis and muscle loss. It boosts mental well-being by releasing endorphins and lowering stress hormones, enhancing mood and resilience against anxiety and depression. Additionally, exercise improves cognitive function, focus, and energy by promoting blood flow to the brain and releasing neurotrophic factors, while also increasing physical strength, endurance, and flexibility for meeting daily demands. Staying active is a cornerstone of thriving physically and mentally throughout life.
The Evidence
Regular exercise is fundamental to enhancing longevity, health, and workplace performance, especially as we age. Physical activity mitigates the decline in muscle mass and cardiovascular efficiency that begins in our 30s, helping preserve strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity (NHS, 2021; WHO, 2022). It significantly lowers the risk of chronic illnesses, reducing the likelihood of heart disease by 35% and type 2 diabetes by 50%, while also enhancing mood, energy levels, and sleep quality (NHS, 2021). Globally, inactivity contributes to over 5 million deaths annually, with evidence showing that regular activity reduces mortality risks by up to 30% (WHO, 2022).
Exercise also has profound implications for workplace productivity. It enhances cognitive functions, such as focus and memory, while reducing stress and fostering emotional resilience (BCS, 2021; WHO, 2022). Active employees show higher engagement and reduced absenteeism, with projections indicating global GDP gains of up to $760 billion by 2050 if inactivity is decreased (WHO, 2022).
Economically, physical inactivity is a significant burden. In 2013, global costs totaled $67.5 billion, including $53.8 billion in healthcare expenditures (BMJ, 2016). In the UK, the NHS spends approximately £1.06 billion annually addressing inactivity-related conditions, highlighting the economic and societal importance of promoting exercise and movement (Public Health England, 2020). Integrating physical activity into daily life supports personal well-being, organizational success, and broader economic stability.