Fewer hospital emergency visits, fewer prescriptions and overall better health are excellent reasons for those in their 70s and 80s to remain more active. According to a British study featured on ScienceDaily.com, “Older people who undertake at least 25 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise everyday need fewer prescriptions and are less likely to be admitted to hospital in an emergency, new research has revealed.”
The study was conducted by the University of Bristol and was published in the journal PLOS ONE. It focused on more than two-hundred participants with an average age in their late seventies. It reported that those who did not commit to 25 minutes of exercise ended up requiring 50 percent more prescription medication over the course of several years.
Study officials said that there are reasons for such a discrepancy between those who more active and those who are not. “Such physical activity leads to a higher metabolism and better circulation, reducing the risk of conditions and diseases common in older age such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and strokes.”
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages older adults to remain physically active and underscores how vital activity is to remaining healthy.
The CDC said, “It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age.” Their recommendations for those who are 65 or older include two and a half hours a week of aerobic activity, and resistance or strength training at least two days a week.
The CDC also said, “Not doing any physical activity can be bad for you, no matter your age or health condition. Keep in mind, some physical activity is better than none at all. Your health benefits will also increase with the more physical activity that you do.”
The American College of Sports Medicine concurs as to the importance of exercise for older adults. “Aerobic/endurance training can help to maintain and improve various aspects of heart and lung function and cardiac output, and such exercise can enhance endurance.”
In conclusion, The PLOS ONE study found, “There is a potential for cost savings to health services through reduced reliance on prescriptions and fewer unplanned hospital admissions.”
Sources:
“Keeping active pays off even in your 70s, 80s – ScienceDaily.com.” Science Daily. Web. 30 May 2014.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140527185357.htm
“Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging – CDC.gov.” The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 30 May 2014.
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html
“Exercise and the Older Adult – ACSM.org.” The American College of Sports Medicine. Web. 30 May 2014.
http://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/exerciseandtheolderadult.pdf
“Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Subsequent Health Service Use of UK Adults Aged 70 and Over: A Four to Five Year Follow Up Study – PLOSONE.ORG.” PLOS ONE. Web. 30 May 2014.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0097676
Reviewed May 30, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith