Across much of the world, physical inactivity is fast becoming one of the leading causes of reduced healthy life expectancy – it’s almost to the point where it’s now up there on the list as high as things like tobacco use, alcohol consumption and obesity.
Physical inactivity may contribute to a number of specific health problems associated with older age, as well as some functional problems.
A lack of physical activity as we age may have negative effects on physical abilities such as strength and flexibility, aerobic and walking capacity, along with balance. It may also impact negatively on mental and cognitive abilities.
A new study performed in the UK has found that undertaking regular physical activity in older age may be associated with improved overall health. The researchers also found that these health benefits may also be enjoyed by those who became physically active a little later in life.
The study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and part of the ongoing English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) involved 3454 men and women aged 62 or older. The study participants were assessed every 2 years, with a final follow up 8 years later, assessing how healthily they had aged.
The researchers found that those who remained physically active throughout the 8 year study period were the most likely to age successfully.
Researchers also found that the people who only began to undertake regular physical activity at some point during the 8 year study period were also more likely to remain healthy, when compared to those in the group who were inactive throughout.
The people who remained active were up to 7 times more likely to be healthy agers than those who were inactive.
So - the moral of the story is – it’s never too late to start moving! And even if you start later in life – you can still benefit from regular activity.
So – try to find something you enjoy, and do it often.
If you haven’t exercised for a while you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional, and discuss a suitable program for you to start with.
Any type of exercise you undertake to start with should be gentle, and suitable to your current abilities.
There are several types of low impact exercises that you might like to try out – these include:
- Walking
- Swimming, or other water exercise (including: aqua aerobics, water walking, hydrotherapy)
- Tai chi
- Yoga and Pilates
- Strength/resistance training
- Cycling
- Dancing