2023-07-14 07:16:56
Being active is important at any age. But a study reveals that physical activity would have many benefits for seniors.
Practice regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health. Among other things, it would help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and alleviate anxiety disorders. However, the mere fact of move by performing simple gestures also contributes to our condition. And this observation would be valid whatever the age, in particular for people over 60 years old.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge also wanted to know the impact of these activities on this segment of the population. They studied the habits of a panel of over 1,400 volunteers in their sixties. It appears that those who moved more presented better physical and mental shape.
The full study was shared in the journal Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.
Activities that boost self-esteem and reduce physical pain and anxiety disorders
For more than 6 years, scientists have asked seniors about their level of activity. Among other things, they provided information via questionnaires on what they did on a daily basis, their “sedentary time” (ie the time spent sitting or lying down)… But they also had to provide information on their mental and physical health.
Then the researchers compared all of this data to reach their conclusion. This reveals that being active had a very positive influence on the general well-being of the over 60s. The most active people were like this less anxious, more confident and also had less pain than the others.
However, the study also reports a “worrying” finding. Indeed, in just 6 years, the researchers noticed that all seniors reduced their activity time by an average of 24 minutes. At the same time, sedentary time increased by more than 30 minutes. However, activity is beneficial both mentally and physically.
What can you do to stay active and limit the time spent lying down or sitting without stimulation?
Even though the study shows that it is important to stay active at any age, this does not mean that seniors should exercise for hours. Indeed, the volunteers provided information via questionnaires on the activities they practiced on a daily basis. This will from gardening to brisk walking, cycling or even dancing. Performing certain maintenance tasks such as cleaning or mowing the lawn were also counted.
And for seniors who want it, some sports also help to be active without impacting the joints. Among these soft sports, we find yoga, Nordic walking, aquagym or even Tai-chi.
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