Not all physical activity could tackle depression. Researchers at Glasgow University interviewed hundreds of men and women about the types of exercise they engaged in (Templeton 2002). They discovered that housework, unlike vigorous exercise, not only failed to improve the morale of depressed people but also worsened their condition. They found that physical activity performed as paid work had no effect on well-being. There was no improvement in the mood, which was evident with people who walked more than four times a week. They gave a psychological explanation in that housework is a chore, which carries an obligation or something to be done to earn money. This could also explain why 9.3% of UK households now employ domestic helpers (Templeton).

The lack of physical activity has been blamed as a major public health enemy (National Institute on Aging 2000). It contributes to the development of disease and disability. Older people do not get enough physical activity. The lack of physical activity combined with poor diet is the second largest cause of death in the U.S. Yet older people can feel better by exercise. Regular exercise can also help improve some diseases and disabilities, improve mood and relieve depression. By remaining physically active, they can also prevent or delay diseases that come with age. These include cancer, heart disease and diabetes (National Institute on Aging).

The Best Medicine

By far, exercise is considered the best medicine (Barker and Meletis 2003). When performed regularly, exercise can significantly reduce the risk of many major diseases in modern times. These include heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, obesity and mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Researches found that risks in developing these diseases...

The cost-effectiveness of exercise as preventive medicine exceeds the value of any medicine or another form of treatment (Barker and Meletis).
Exercise is most healthful when performed at 40% to 50% of exercise capacity (Barker and Meletis 2003). Exercise capacity is the peak amount of oxygen uptake, which the body can metabolize. Experts recommend the active use of muscle groups for one hour a day 4 to 6 times a week. They also endorse resistance training at moderate to high intensity at a minimum of 2 days a week. But they encourage everyone to include physical activity in a comprehensive health plan to prevent disease and bring the level of health to a maximum (Barker and Meletis).

Bibliography

Barker, J. And C.D. Meletis (2003). Enhancement of exercise performance. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients: The Townsend Letter Group

Camacho, T.C. (2000). Exercise and depression. 4 pages. American Fitness: Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

Gianoulis, T and Ava Rose (2002). Depression. 6 pages. St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture: Gale Group

National Institute on Aging (2000). Exercise: feeling fit for life. 4 pages. Pamphlet. National Institute on Aging: Gale Group

Running & Fit News (2001). How running controls depression. 2 pages. American Running and Fitness Association: National Institutes of Mental Health

Satcher, D. (1999). A report of the surgeon-general on mental health. 8 pages. Chapter 4. Adults and Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Slawson, D. (2005). Aerobic exercise effective for mild to moderate depression. 2 pages. American Family Physicians: American Academy…