Exercise Guidelines of WHO for Different Age Groups

2.1 Exercise Guidelines of WHO for Different Age Groups

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified lack of physical activity — physical inactivity — as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, responsible for about 6% of deaths worldwide. Regular participation in physical activity and sport is one of the surest ways to protect physical, mental and social health at every age.

The benefits are wide-ranging. Regular activity raises self-confidence and self-esteem, improves control over emotions, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, helps maintain a healthy body weight, encourages social interaction and is even linked to better academic performance. It supports not only physical growth but also the social, emotional and mental development of infants, children, adolescents and adults alike. Activity should be actively encouraged among children so that they build strong muscles and bones, and children and young people should not be left to sit for long hours watching television, playing computer games or travelling by car. …