In a recent study done in Västerås, Sweden, it was found that exercise was the strongest predictor of 75 year old men to reach the age of 90. This study followed a group of 75 year olds to see what helped them live to be 90. Among men it was found that exercise had a greater influence than any other factor that was tested. Other studies have shown that physical activity improves the quality of life in all elderly people, helping them to maintain independence and a more fulfilling life, longer. What I found most interesting is that even 90 year olds who had been maintaining a sedentary lifestyle were benefited by starting a regular exercise program. It is never too late to start!
Physical activity is a benefit for all age groups, even as we age.
Healthy Aging Research. 2014, November 25, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12715/har.2014.3.5
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 41:1510-1530.
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International Journal of Clinical Practice 63:303-320.