New Research Shows Health Benefits for Older Adults Who Move More
New Örebro University study highlights health benefits of increased movement for seniors.
Key Points
- • Physical activity protects older adults from illness.
- • Even minimal movement has health benefits for seniors.
- • Study involved 871 participants aged 65-79 from multiple countries.
- • Less sedentary behavior correlates with better health outcomes.
A recent study conducted by Örebro University highlights the significant health benefits of increased physical activity among older adults, revealing positive outcomes even for those who do not meet the standard exercise recommendations. The research involved 871 participants aged 65 to 79 from various countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom, who were tracked for their daily activity levels.
The findings indicate that reduced sedentary behavior leads to better health outcomes. Participants were divided into two groups: one meeting the Swedish Public Health Agency's guideline of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and another that did not. Remarkably, even those who engaged in less movement displayed improved health metrics. Andreas Nilsson, the lead researcher, commented, "Even for individuals who did not reach the recommended levels of physical activity, less sedentary time was linked to better health. This suggests that even light movement is beneficial for health."
The study also accounted for various lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol use, ensuring robust results. Metrics like waist circumference, blood lipids, blood pressure, and insulin resistance were evaluated, indicating a direct correlation between increased movement—even at lower levels—and improved health. Nilsson remarked, "It’s about breaking the sedentary behavior," emphasizing the need for encouraging older adults to be more active in their daily lives to enhance their overall well-being.