The Quality of Life
What does “quality of life” mean? Is it happiness, wellness, health, fitness, or fun? May be it refers to the absence of disease, leisure time, freedom from oppression, or safety from harm, quality of life, although defined individually, in today’s world increasingly means a long and healthy life.
Inherent therein is the concept that a feeling of well-being or some level of fitness enhances life. Maybe it is an outgrowth of Americans’ search for the fountain of youth, but seemingly “fit is in,” or at least the appearance of fitness.
Not a fad, this mania has become an integral part of life for many. Executives may choose their companies based on the availability of exercise programs, or employers may hire employees only if they are healthy and fit.
Families often focus vacations and leisure time around various recreational and sport activities. Thousands of people sign up for marathons, 10-kilometre road races, and fun runs. Walking has become popular for people of all ages.
Sporting goods and sports clothing sales continue to gross millions of dollars. Sports facilities such as health clubs, aerobic centres, tennis, swimming polls, and golf courses increasingly attract people who take their health and/or a sport seriously.
The threat of cardiovascular disease has contributed to a realization of the need to exercise the heart muscle. Poor nutritional habits have adversely affected the health of thousands.
Longer life expectancies have raised the consciousness levels of many who not only want to live longer but also want to enjoy their later years.
Technological advances in modern society have reduced the amount of exercise inherent in our daily lives while simultaneously providing greater amounts of leisure time and discretionary income.
Stress proliferates as a frequent by-product of technology and a highly competitive business world. In each case exercise, along with knowledge of how the body functions in response to activity, has positively affected those participating. These factors re-emphasize the importance of activity that can enhance fitness and the overall quality of life.
Millions of people usually do not participate in any Physical activity due to lack of motivation, time money, skills, or knowledge. To encourage participation is the role of physical educators.
The future is unlimited for physical educators because less than 50% of our population exercises regularly. The inactive frequently are poorly skilled, economically disadvantages, older adults, and children.
Typically, school athletic teams and city or business recreational leagues attract skilled participants or those at least moderately comfortable with their skills. Those lacking sills are relegated to the spectator role or to their easy chairs in front of their televisions.
More instructional programs and introductory skill leagues and teams are needed for these beginners of all ages. Frequently, there is overlap between the lower skilled and the economically disadvantaged.
Due to the cost of tennis, golf, and swimming, for example, these have often been categorized as upper- class sports. So, tax-supported recreation departments need to provide opportunities for these and other activities for all individuals.
Senior citizens, an increasingly large percentage of the population have recreational needs. For example, exercise has been found to reduce osteoporosis, a breakdown of the calcium in the bones, especially for women in their post-menopausal years. This group needs activities tailored to its capabilities.
On the other end of the spectrum, children have many needs for physical activity that remain unanswered. Daily physical education in kindergarten through the twelfth grade would greatly enhance children’s movement skills and fitness capacities.
Non-school sport programs also can provide opportunities for fun. For each of these groups, increased positive opportunities for physical activities will contribute to the development of a healthy life-style and to a commitment to continue it as a quality way of life. You, as a physical educator, hold the key to unlock this door of opportunity for them.
