New research from the UK revealed that elderly people who want to prolong their life have to stay active and exercise regularly. The study noted that all kinds of physical activities could increase the possibility of seniors to live longer.
The researchers from University College London observed about 1,000 men, with an average age of 78, and found out that 1,000 steps a day could reduce the mortality risk by 15 percent. They also learned that it didn't matter if the time the participants exercised was divided, as long as they completed the workout.
The researchers also saw that whether the exercise was intense or not, elderly people who were more active live longer than those who are not physically active seniors. But according to the South China Morning Post, this study was only observational and not clinical, so it couldn't prove the connection between physical activity and mortality rate at this stage yet.
However, Matilda International Hospital medicine specialist Dr. Kevin Tsang insisted that exercise plays an important role in elderly people's life. "Whether you're male or female, being physically active has numerous benefits, from improving how your body functions to boosting muscle strength, thus minimizing your risk of falls," he said. "It can also help you feel more independent and improve your quality of life."
Help Guide also noted that exercise helps seniors to maintain their strength, agility, improves sleep, increases vitality, boost mental health, and lessen chronic pain. It also makes brains healthy, prevents memory loss, dementia, and cognitive decline.
Elderly people who want to be physically active have to ask their doctor first before they start exercising. They have to find the proper program that will work for them and checks if they have any health condition or medication that may affect their chosen workout.
Seniors have to look for the best physical activity that they like and will motivate them to continue exercising. They should also start slow. From a few minutes a day, they can eventually increase their activity time and intensity.
They can start by walking. They can do it with friends or family members to make it more fun and get motivated.
Also, as people age, they have to be cautious about what they eat. Seniors experience a change in appetite, metabolism, and digestion. So they have to eat healthy to maintain their health and energy.
They have to avoid sugary foods and refined carbs and go for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are rich in fiber that will give them more energy. There are a lot of ways that seniors can stay healthy. All they have to do is choose the right diet and exercise that will help them to live longer.
