Seniors: A little movement equals HUGE benefit

Staying physically active as we get older is critical to aging well.

But some people get so intimidated with exercise—and how much they should be doing—that they simply stop trying.

Not to mention, many of us didn’t grow up with the work-out mentality that the younger folks have nowadays.

If any of this sounds familiar, I have some good news…

Slow and steady

Once again, research shows seniors can BOOST their longevity by doing just a little bit of weekly activity.

In a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, researchers reviewed data from nearly 7,050 adults aged 85 and older who participated in the Korean National Health Screening Program.

Compared with inactive participants, researchers discovered that those who walked at a slow pace for at least one hour weekly had a:

• 40 percent reduced risk of all-cause mortality (or death from any cause)
• 39 percent lower risk of cardiovascular mortality

To be clear, these benefits were discovered in subjects who did no other physical activity for the week. NONE of the routinely recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week…

Just plain old walking.

As an added bonus, that hour of walking didn’t even need to be completed all at once.

In fact, 10 minutes daily was sufficient. (I think that’s a target we can ALL achieve!)

Get your MOVE on

I understand that aging is accompanied by reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior.

But—that doesn’t always have to be the case.

As this study highlights, walking is a simple way for older adults to stay active AND achieve all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality risk reduction.

So, why not take a walk first thing in the morning, around lunchtime, after dinner—or as often as you can? Before you know it, you’ll be getting your move on more often than not!

Of course, I also recognize that some seniors are frail and may suffer from sarcopenia or osteoporosis. In those cases, resistance and balance training may be most beneficial before embarking on short walks.

At the end of the day, my point is this: Just move!

For additional ways to “age younger”—and feel better—each day, I encourage you to check out my Ultimate Anti-Aging Protocol. Click here now to learn more about this innovative, online learning tool!

Until next time,

Dr. Fred

Source:

“An Hour of Walking Per Week May Boost Longevity in Elderly.” Medscape, 08/26/2022. (medscape.com/viewarticle/979831)