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Physical activity for health and wellbeing in the caring role
Physical activity for health and wellbeing in the caring role

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2.1 How much physical activity do you need?

Figure 2 offers a useful overview of the benefits of being physically active for different age groups and presents guidelines on the recommended amount of physical activity per week to achieve optimum health (UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines, 2019). Recommendations include 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children between 5 and 18 years old, and 150 minutes per week for adults and older adults. There are also similar infographics supporting physical activity for disabled adults, and during and after pregnancy, which you can find in the Further reading section at the end of this session.

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Figure 2 Physical activity guidelines for adults and older adults, and for children and young people (5–18 years)

Now you have explored the benefits of physical activity to physical and mental health, and considered how much physical activity is required, you will examine physical activity in the caring role.