Research published in the online journal Heart recommends 20 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise in early old age to help reduce the chances of heart disease. This research reinforces the idea of ‘better late than never’ when it comes to exercise.
It’s no surprise that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and longer life, but this research helps to outline the importance of exercise for those in their 70s. Few studies have looked exclusively at whether exercise in later life can help ward off heart disease and stroke in old age, so researchers for this study set out to plug this knowledge gap.
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Researchers drew on data from the Progetto Veneto Anziani, a study of 3,099 older Italians aged 65 and above for the study. Between 1995 and 1997, participants shared their medical history, physical examinations, scans, and a variety of blood tests were carried out. Two further full assessments four and seven years later were also conducted.
Participants were required to fill in questionnaires about their physical activity levels. Moderate physical activity included walking, fishing, and bowling. Vigorous physical exercise included gardening, gym workouts, dancing, swimming, and cycling. Participants who had physical activity that added up to 20 minutes or more a day were defined as active. Those who were less than this were to find as inactive.
It was concluded that increasing levels of physical activity as well as maintaining an active lifestyle over time were related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death in both men and women. The most significant risk reduction was found for new coronary heart disease and heart failure cases in late old age. There was no significant association between physical activity and stroke observed.
Researchers noted that the most significant benefits seemed to occur at the age of 70. The risk was only slightly lower at the age of 75 and no lower at the age of 80, suggesting that improving physical activity earlier in old age may have the most impact.
Heart Health
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Heart health is an important issue at any age, but this study helps to show that even those in their 70’s can benefit from physical activity that can help protect against cardiovascular events.
Along with exercise, Heart Rescue can help support and maintain cardiovascular health using various ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn extract. Its unique formula can help strengthen the heart muscle, reduce the risk of heart disease, support circulation, and maintain healthy cholesterol.
Overall, a strong heart is vital for enjoying a high quality of life as you age, so it is essential to take the steps necessary to keep it healthy.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
