The study included over 123,000 people over the age of 60. The researchers found that those with low level activity were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period – compared to those who did not exercise at all.
Individuals with medium and high activity had a reduction of mortality by 28 and 35 percent respectively, compared to those with no physical activity.
Dr. David Hupin said the study “shows that the more physical activity older adults do, the greater the health benefit. The biggest jump in benefit was achieved at the low level of exercise, with the medium and high levels bringing smaller increments of benefit.”
“Age is not an excuse to do no exercise. It is well established that regular physical activity has a better overall effect on health than any medical treatment. But less than half of older adults achieve the recommended minimum of 150 minutes moderate intensity or 75 minutes vigorous intensity exercise each week,” Hupin added.
He also suggests that changes should not be dramatic, but progress slowly over time. Hupin concluded, “Fifteen minutes a day could be a reasonable target for older adults. Small increases in physical activity may enable some older adults to incorporate more moderate activity and get closer to the recommended 150 minutes per week.”
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: Exercise works as appetite suppressant.