Seniors: Walk a Bit and Live Longer

Stephen Sinatra

11 years ago

That’s the conclusion of a ten-year study of 152 elderly men and women (average age 80) conducted by researchers at the Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care in Rome. Specifically, they found that 15 minutes a day outdoors, four days a week, resulted in a 40 percent reduced risk of death over the trial period compared to those who walked a lesser amount.

Eliminating all other factors, including health, diet, smoking, depression, and mental state, the researchers said that walking represented an “independent and protective” lifestyle habit that could extend life. “Daily walking can be considered as an ‘anti-aging therapy,’” they said.

Access study here.

My Viewpoint: Walking is simple and about basic a form of physical activity anybody can pursue. It improves your oxygen intake, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin utilization, muscle function, bone mineral density, and is a boost for your immune system.

What this Means to You: Our bodies were designed to move. If you want to live longer, you have to move.

Recommendation: People tend to be lazy about any form of exercise. Find some walking partners. Doing it in a group encourages more participation.

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