Walking, swimming, playing tennis or golf could lower the risk of death for older adults from any cause, including cancer and heart disease, according to a new study.
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health surveyed more than 272,500 people between the ages of 59 and 82 as part of an NIH-AARP diet and health study. The researchers found that older adults who engage in the recommended amount of physical activity per week through any combination of activities were associated with a 13% lower risk of death than those not participating in any activities.
Racquet sports and running lowered the risk of death the most by 16% and 15% respectively.
“The larger reduction in risk of mortality associated with running and racquet sports than for other activity types for older adults may be associated with the specific physiological demands and adaptations that occur with these sports,” the report stated. “These activities both require synchronized action from many muscles for correct form, and racquet sports also require hand-eye coordination and intermittent bursts of very high intensity, which may additionally improve physical functioning.”
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that older adults get up to 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity physical activity. Being physically active can make it easier for seniors to perform activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, and moving around the house or neighborhood. Staying physically active can also reduce the risk of falls.
Moderate activity also can help ward off dementia in older adults. A recent study found that people over age 65 who engaged in moderate exercise and household chores reduced their risk of dementia by 35% and 21% respectively.
