Exercise, however modest, extends life expectancy of older adults
Exercise, however modest, extends life expectancy of older adults, according to new research.
The French study followed 1,000 people aged 65 over 13 years. Their level of physical activity was monitored and categorised, and any mortality and cardiovascular events were recorded over the follow-up period and associated with exercise levels.
Results indicated the risk of death was 57 per cent lower in those who achieved a higher activity level than the recommended 150 minutes per week. Furthermore, the study found those doing a low level of physical activity per week still had 51 per cent lower risk of death than those doing the very bare minimum. Even starting or restarting physical activity after a long period of absence had a fast benefit, reducing risk of death by two thirds.
Dr Hupin, one of the researches, said several positive conclusions can be drawn but notably even a low level of exercises below current recommendations had some protective effect.
Such conclusions have already been established in the wider populations but this is the first study that looks specifically at older populations. Most physical activity guidelines are the same for middle-aged adults and over 65s – 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week – even though an estimated 60 per cent of older people are unable to achieve this same level of exercise.
The study indicates the even exercise of a short duration or low intensity will have highly beneficial effects. Dr Hupin recommends at least 15 minutes of physical activity for five days a week as a suitable first target
“This could include brisk walking, cycling, swimming or gymnastics,” he suggested, “all possibly associated with leisure time physical activity or daily life activities.”