Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2012 | Page 118

FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY
over 65 spend 10 hours or more each day
sitting or lying down, making them the most
sedentary age group.
Sedentary lifestyles
Inactivity is described by the Department
of Health as a “silent killer”. Evidence is
emerging that sedentary behaviour, such as
sitting or lying down for long periods, is bad
for your health. Spending hours sitting down
watching TV or playing computer games is
thought to increase your risk of many chronic
diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and
diabetes, as well as weight gain and obesity.
Not only should you try to raise your activity
levels, but you should also reduce the amount
of time you and your family spend sitting
down. Common examples of sedentary
behaviour include watching TV, using a
computer, using the car for short journeys
and sitting down to read, talk or listen to
music.
“Previous generations were active more
naturally through work and manual labour
but today we have to find ways of integrating
What counts?

A modern problem

To stay healthy or to improve your

People are less active nowadays, partly

health, adults should do at least 150

because technology has made our lives

minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of

easier. We drive cars or take public transport.

moderate-intensity aerobic activity each

Machines wash