Strolling around the Neighbourhood, Folding Clothes, others, Can Lengthen Your Years

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There is no gainsaying the fact that physical exercise is good for our health, as various authorities have validated it times without number. Although most people tend to comply with this recommendation while younger, but observations have shown that majority of the elderly find physical activities stressful as they advance in age.

The good news is that, the elderly can still engage in physical activities to their own benefit, without hassle, as a new study has confirmed that senior women who consistently engage in household chores are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.

The study, recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, and reported on Medical News Today stated that a reduced risk of chronic disease and premature mortality are only some of the health benefits of exercising.

According to the lead scientist, Prof. LaCroix and his colleagues, more than 6,300 women aged between 63 and 99 years, were recruited and followed them for a period of up to 4.5 years. It was reported that the women wore hip accelerometers that continuously tracked their physical activity for 7 days as the women engaged in their day-to-day tasks.

“Our study shows,” says Prof. LaCroix, “for the first time using device-measured light physical activity in older women, that there are health benefits at activity levels below the guideline recommendations.”

“A lot of what we do on a daily basis is improving our health, such as walking to the mail box, strolling around the neighbourhood, folding clothes, and straightening up the house. Activities like these account for more than 55 percent of how older individuals get their daily activity.”

In fact, the research revealed that for every 30 minutes of light physical activity each day, the risk of mortality fell by 12 percent. Additionally, every 30 minutes of moderate physical activity correlated with a 39 percent drop in mortality risk.