Physical Activity for a Healthy Life

Abstract

The evidence surveyed by Blair and Connelly (1996) now provides a clearly outlined challenge for action in applying physical activity for health promotion. Strategies to choose are single risk or broad spectrum within an individual or community approach. The 20-year results of the broad spectrum, community intervention in North Karelia, Finland more than halved the coronary mortality of participants aged 35–64 years (Puska, Tuomilehto, Vartiainen, Korhonen, & Torppa, 1995). Many facets of human lives, including physical activity, were charted in another project: the 11-yearfollow-up of Finnish municipal employees aged 45–58 years at entry into the project (Tuomi, 1991). In this project, physical activity showed marked positive associations with work capacity, lifestyle, and well-being. Thus, in addition to reducing morbidity and mortality, physical activity and fitness also promote mental and social health and improve the quality of life.