Adult and aged athletes
There are many positive benefits of exercise for adults and aged athletes. Exercise duration, intensity and type need to be examined for suitability for this particular age group. Being aware of medical conditions associated with the aged must be considered when participating in any kind of exercise activity, such as:
- Heart conditions
- Fractures and bone density
- Flexibility and joint mobility
Heart Conditions
Aged people with heart conditions need to be aware of suitable options for exercising that are available and to what extent they can participate. Heart conditions such as high blood pressure and hypertension, lead to problems associated with the intensity of exercise, however, this can be catered for so that the athletes can still participate in sport. Exercise is good for the heart and can reduce high blood pressure, so it’s encouraged for this group to participate in physical activity, the exercise type, intensity and duration just needs to be modified so it is suitable for them. The athlete should start with easier exercises for short periods, then increasing in time and intensity gradually. So in relation to soccer, adults with heart conditions should be aware of their ability and should either avoid participating in this sport or not over do it when training or playing the game.
Fractures/bone density
As people age, so do their bones – they become less dense and more susceptible to breaks, this is known as osteoporosis. There are particular precautions that athletes can take to prevent this, such as maintaining the recommended daily calcium intake and participating in appropriate exercise. Exercise for athletes who have this condition, should be low impact on the body and should avoid any contact sports, such as soccer. Thus, soccer is discouraged for this group of athletes who suffer this medical condition, as it is not a suitable sport for them to participate in.
Flexibility/joint mobility
Joint mobility and flexibility also decreases with age due to the reduction of elasticity within the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A restriction in joint mobility also decreases the exercise options in which adult and aged athletes can participate. This is usually due to the complications from problems such as osteoarthritis or decreased flexibility. Appropriate and specific exercises can improve and adult/aged athlete’s flexibility or joint mobility. Participation in these types of exercises (such as stretching/yoga) is encouraged, but activities that involve sudden movements that stretch the joint and muscles beyond their capability (such as soccer) should be avoided.
Adults and aged athletes need to be aware of their specific physical and medical demands before they decide to participate in a high intensity and contact sport such as soccer (although they are encouraged to play soccer more for fun than competitively), for their own health and safety.
- Heart conditions
- Fractures and bone density
- Flexibility and joint mobility
Heart Conditions
Aged people with heart conditions need to be aware of suitable options for exercising that are available and to what extent they can participate. Heart conditions such as high blood pressure and hypertension, lead to problems associated with the intensity of exercise, however, this can be catered for so that the athletes can still participate in sport. Exercise is good for the heart and can reduce high blood pressure, so it’s encouraged for this group to participate in physical activity, the exercise type, intensity and duration just needs to be modified so it is suitable for them. The athlete should start with easier exercises for short periods, then increasing in time and intensity gradually. So in relation to soccer, adults with heart conditions should be aware of their ability and should either avoid participating in this sport or not over do it when training or playing the game.
Fractures/bone density
As people age, so do their bones – they become less dense and more susceptible to breaks, this is known as osteoporosis. There are particular precautions that athletes can take to prevent this, such as maintaining the recommended daily calcium intake and participating in appropriate exercise. Exercise for athletes who have this condition, should be low impact on the body and should avoid any contact sports, such as soccer. Thus, soccer is discouraged for this group of athletes who suffer this medical condition, as it is not a suitable sport for them to participate in.
Flexibility/joint mobility
Joint mobility and flexibility also decreases with age due to the reduction of elasticity within the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A restriction in joint mobility also decreases the exercise options in which adult and aged athletes can participate. This is usually due to the complications from problems such as osteoarthritis or decreased flexibility. Appropriate and specific exercises can improve and adult/aged athlete’s flexibility or joint mobility. Participation in these types of exercises (such as stretching/yoga) is encouraged, but activities that involve sudden movements that stretch the joint and muscles beyond their capability (such as soccer) should be avoided.
Adults and aged athletes need to be aware of their specific physical and medical demands before they decide to participate in a high intensity and contact sport such as soccer (although they are encouraged to play soccer more for fun than competitively), for their own health and safety.