Why older adults should exercise

We all know exercise is good for health. Everyone benefits from exercise regardless of age, sex or physical ability.

But older adults aged over 50 should consider exercising.

Here’s why older adults should exercise

Older adults who exercise above current recommended levels have a reduced risk of stroke, diabetes and cancer, suggests a study by researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia, who interviewed over 1,500 Australian adults aged over 50.

Our bodies were meant to move and regular exercise is necessary for physical fitness and good health.

The researchers found that people who engaged in the highest levels of total physical activity were twice as lively to avoid stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases.

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Exercise can improve our appearance and delay the aging process.

Exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns.

“Essentially we found that older adults who did the most exercise were twice as likely to be disease-free and fully functional,” said Bamini Gopinath, an associate professor at University of Sydney.

Want to live ten years free from chronic diseases? Just exercise

The study has found that high levels of physical activity increase the likelihood of surviving an extra 10 years free from chronic diseases, mental impairment and disability.

The researchers suggest that physical activity levels need to be several times higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends to significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The WHO recommends at least 600 MET minutes of physical activity each week, which is equivalent to 150 minutes of brisk walking or 75 minutes of running.

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“Some older adults may not be able to engage in vigorous activity or high levels of physical activity. But we encourage older adults who are inactive to do some physical activity, and those who currently only engage in moderate exercise to incorporate more vigorous activity where possible,” Gopinath added.

(With inputs from agencies)