Being active is not only good for your heart and mind. New research published in the Journal of American Medical Association provided proof that having a more active lifestyle when you are older can increase one's lifespan.
The study looked at age of death in more than 300 elderly men and women and compared it to the amount of activity they accomplish on a daily basis. The study took into account any type of activity, not just physical exercise so it included climbing stairs, gardening, working at a job, volunteer work, etc. The researchers used a special water labed to measure carbon monoxide output in the urine as a marker for activity. Self-reported activity was taken, but not used to determine outcome because of report bias.
For the men and women who were most active the likelihood of dying within the six year study period was only 12 percent. Those with the least amount of activity were two times as likely to die in the six year study period when compared to those who were most active.
Adults who were in the more active group were not necessarily reporting physical exercise as the reason. Many held jobs for pay, regularly climbed two flights of stairs, and had active social lives. Most of the types of activity not only contribute to increased lifespan but can also improve quality of life.
Quality of life is also very important for elderly men and women. Keeping an active social plan, as well as doing activites one enjoys can make day to day events more enjoyable, which is good for the heart and soul.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 30, 2006 05:08 PM
