Premium
This is an archive article published on November 4, 2019

Higher physical activity linked with lower premature death risk in elderly: Study

The findings suggest that low levels of physical activity are associated with higher risks of premature death, no matter what a person's level of health was, the researchers said.

physical activities, health benefits of exercising, exercise and premature death risk The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, looked more carefully at the relationship between death and physical exercise among older adults in Brazil. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Being physically active is associated with a lower risk for premature death among older adults, according to a study.

Researchers from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil noted that nine per cent of all premature deaths are caused by not getting enough physical activity.

They explained that physical activity is known to reduce deaths from heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and mental illness.

Story continues below this ad

The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, looked more carefully at the relationship between death and physical exercise among older adults in Brazil.

The team drew on information from the “COMO VAI?” study conducted from January to August 2014.

The researchers conducted home interviews with 1,451 adults older than 60. Of these, 971 participants were given wrist monitors to measure their physical activity.

Practice these yoga asanas in the morning for a healthy day ahead

They also asked participants about their smoking habits and how they would rate their health.

Story continues below this ad

The team learned about the chronic health conditions participants said they had, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, high cholesterol, depression, stroke, and cancer.

The researchers then rated participants’ ability to perform their normal daily activities, including bathing, dressing, getting from bed to chair, going to the bathroom, and feeding.

They found that people who had the lowest levels of physical activity had higher rates of early death compared to people who had higher levels of activity.

The findings suggest that low levels of physical activity are associated with higher risks of premature death, no matter what a person’s level of health was, the researchers said.

Story continues below this ad

Overall, physical activity was important for avoiding early death in older men and women, they said.


📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement