With a look toward Iran’s demographic future, the warning bell has been sounded regarding physical inactivity in old age.
According to the Public Relations office of the Federation, and based on the announcement of the head of the State Welfare Organization, by the year 2051 (1430 in the Iranian calendar), about 31% of Iran’s population will be elderly—a statistic that doubles the importance of maintaining the physical and mental health of this group.
In this regard, Dr. Jalil Koohpayeh Zadeh, President of the Veterans and Disabled Sports Federation, stressed in an interview the necessity of paying attention to sports during the elderly years. Referring to the common misconception that seniors should not exercise, he said:
“Exercising is not limited to youth. Regular physical activity, even at an advanced age, is essential for living a healthy and quality life. Although reduced physical capacity and the onset of chronic diseases in old age are natural, with proper nutrition and suitable exercise, this stage of life can also be enjoyable.”
Sports: A Way to Combat Chronic Diseases in Old Age
Dr. Koohpayeh Zadeh noted that physical inactivity plays a major role in the development of diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and even cancer.
He continued:
“If today’s youth and middle-aged individuals make sports a daily habit, in the future we will have a generation of elderly people facing fewer challenges. Physical activity means disease prevention and the preservation of independence in old age.”
Exercise Recommendations for the Elderly and the Youth
The President of the Veterans and Disabled Sports Federation stated that seniors can start with light exercise at home under medical supervision:
“Activities such as walking, swimming, and even light hiking not only improve the elderly’s physical condition but also have positive effects on their mental health. Exercise should be done gradually, regularly, and in accordance with the individual’s physical condition.”
He also advised young people to integrate sports into their lives from now:
“Metabolism slows down with age, so with regular exercise, we should maintain muscle mass and a healthy weight. The youth of today are the elderly of tomorrow in this country.”
