Thirty minutes of physical activity a day can help individuals feel good, and prevent some medical conditions. Twenty-five percent of American adults report they don't engage in any physical activity in their leisure time and 60 percent don't engage in vigorous activity. By the year 2030, one in five people will be 65 or older. Medical research shows that physical activity is safe and beneficial for people with arthritis, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other chronic conditions. In fact, the lack of activity can make the condition worse or, at least, make it difficult to live with.
Physical activity can strengthen bones, relieve joint stiffness and reduce pain.
Inactive people may encounter some muscle soreness at first, but it will disappear. Osteoarthritis More than 36 million Americans have some form of arthritis. There are two major types of arthritis-osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Often, weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip, and spine are involved in osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects joints in the hands, wrist, feet, and ankles.