To Your Health
July, 2010 (Vol. 04, Issue 07) |
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7. Enjoy Your Golden Years
In that physical activity is associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases and premature death, Qi Sun, from Harvard School of Public Health, and colleagues explored whether physical activity is also associated with improved overall health among those who survive to older ages.
Analyzing data from 13,535 participants in the Nurses' Health Study, (women reported their physical activity levels in 1986 when 60 years of age, on average), the team found that those women who survived to age 70 or older as of 1995-2001 engaged in higher levels of physical activity at the beginning of the study and were less likely to have chronic diseases, heart surgery or any physical, cognitive or mental impairments. According to the researchers, "These data provide evidence that higher levels of midlife physical activity are associated with exceptional health status among women who survive to older ages and corroborate the potential role of physical activity in improving overall health."
Source: Qi Sun, et al. "Physical Activity at Midlife in Relation to Successful Survival in Women at Age 70 Years or Older." Archives of Internal Medicine, 2010.
8. Make the Move Toward Better Health
A healthy life isn't necessarily a happy life, but most people agree it certainly makes the going easier. After all, if you're sick all the time, develop chronic, life-threatening illness(es), and/or die much sooner than you should, how much fun is that? Take some advice from the experts, starting today: Get up and get moving! As the research presented in this article suggests, consistent physical activity has profound health and wellness benefits that you deserve to enjoy. Your doctor can help evaluate your current fitness/activity level and outline a fun, energizing, health-promoting exercise routine to keep you happy and healthy day after day, year after year.
7 for Starters: Exercise for Good Health
So, let's review. Research suggests consistent physical activity can accomplish the following:
- Help patients with cardiac (heart) problems
- Increase brain cell production and related learning
- Reduce breast cancer risk
- Increase bone density and reduce fracture risk
- Help reduce anxiety/stress
- Decrease the risk of suffering a stroke
- Improve overall health, particularly in old age
And that's just for starters! Read previous (and upcoming) issues of To Your Health to learn about the countless benefits of exercise and the best ways to do it. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Ronald Klatz, MD, is the president of the American Academy of Anti-Aging (www.worldhealth.net), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, detection and treatment of aging-related disease.
Robert Goldman, MD, is the chairman of the American Academy of Anti-Aging (www.worldhealth.net), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, detection and treatment of aging-related disease.
