Thinking it through, I have realised exercise gives us a sense of meaning and purpose.  Our feelings and our meanings need motion. Studies have shown middle aged and elderly men and women to have the most purpose when they are active for life. The findings  highlighted the relationship between physical activity and psychological well being.  They seem to affect one another.  Reseach already shows that fitness training boost our mental and physical health.  Men and women who workout reduce the effects of depression and anxiety.  Vice versa, people who don’t exercise are more likely to feel depressed and anxious. Most of the studies show the link between exercise and negative emotions.  Fewer studies show the link between exercise and a strong sense of purpose. Ayse Yemiscigil, from the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, says.

‘A sense of purpose is the feeling that you get from having goals and plans that give direction and meaning to life.  It is about being engagedwith life in productive ways. Active people often talk about how exercise gives structure and meaning to their lives. It provides goals and achievements.

Studies on  men and women over the age of 50 have been done, and many described activity giving structure and meaning to their lives.