Exercise/physical activity programmes to combat a sedentary lifestyle, chronicity and poor ageing

Abstract

Nowadays, no one questions the value of physical activity and, essentially, physical exercise programmes, as a health tool and important factor in social and healthcare policies. Regular and well-planned exercise is prescribed as non-pharmacological treatment for most diseases prevalent in developed societies, regardless of the need for rehabilitation or specific treatment for a particular system that is specifically damaged1,2. It is also prescribed as a preventive factor for almost all diseases1,2, regardless of a patient’s gender or age. Scientific evidence strongly demonstrates that, beyond its health value, and much more than medicine, regular exercise is a source of life in our societies that are ageing, sedentary and often extremely socially isolated.