Physical Education and Sports' Effects on Students' Lives

Abstract

Participation in physical activities has been found to be an important factor in contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Research has found strong relationships between participation in regular physical activity and the prevention of disease, while its relationship to the psychological and social dimensions has been neglected. Recently however, several studies have found causal relationships between physical activity and improved mood state, reduced anxiety, reduced depression, and increased social support. Despite this, surveys indicate that participation levels in physical activities are declining among older Indians, with the exceptions of walking and gardening. This paper also examines the constraints to participation in leisure programs, such as lack of time, poor health, and fear of crime, the financial cost and the lack of a partner to participate with. A number of strategies have been suggested to overcome these constraints.Participation in physical activities has been found to be an important factor in contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Research has found strong relationships between participation in regular physical activity and the prevention of disease, while its relationship to the psychological and social dimensions has been neglected. Recently however, several studies have found causal relationships between physical activity and improved mood state, reduced anxiety, reduced depression, and increased social support. Despite this, surveys indicate that participation levels in physical activities are declining among older Indians, with the exceptions of walking and gardening. This paper also examines the constraints to participation in leisure programs, such as lack of time, poor health, and fear of crime, the financial cost and the lack of a partner to participate with. A number of strategies have been suggested to overcome these constraints.