Exercise reduces chances of dying by 31%!
A new study (Move more, age well: prescribing physical activity for older adults) published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that exercise for seniors can (i) improve longevity, (ii) help prevent falls, (iii) improve bone and joint health, (iv) benefit cognition, (v) improve mental health (may reduced loneliness if exercising with others, as well as endorphin release), and (vi) help maintain functional independence.
Key findings include:
- “Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for more than 30 chronic conditions relevant to the older adult; 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity can reduce all-cause mortality by 31% compared with no physical activity.”
- “Physical activity is one of the most important ways to preserve or improve functional independence, including among older adults who are frail or deemed to be at increased risk of falling.”
- “Higher levels of physical activity in older age are associated with improvements in cognition, mental health, and quality of life.”
Walking is a great easy exercise to build into your daily routine at any age.
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