It's never too late to start exercising. The addition of exercise into a weekly routine can significantly extend life expectancy at any age, even for the elderly. A recent Israeli study shows just how important exercise is for our physical and mental well-being. The Archives of Internal Medicine published the study in September.
The research illustrated perhaps what we already know, but made it even more apparent by focusing on the elderly. The study looked at active and inactive people in their 80s. The three-year survival rate was three times higher for active 85 year olds compared to those who did not exercise. This statistic is startling; those who do not exercise are more likely to die before someone who does. Simply put, exercise prolongs life. As little as four hours a week of slow paced walking is considered active; this can consist of 20 minute leisurely walks around your neighborhood. Walking is as beneficial as other forms of vigorous exercise for older individuals.
The study also showed that there were many benefits for those who were previously inactive. Not only did these people feel better after beginning exercise, they were able to cut back on certain medications and felt less lonely. In fact, those who remain active in their 80's are less likely to experience depression and more likely to be self-dependent. Clearly, regular exercise is vital for your psychological health, as well as your physical health.
Researchers took into account other factors that would affect life expectancy, such as smoking, genetics and current medical conditions. Even after considering these factors, the activity level of individuals was still found to be strongly correlated to long life. I hope this reinforces just how important exercise is for people of all ages; it is truly never too late to start!
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