A recent paper published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that physical activity during leisure time in middle-aged and older adults can help reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.
The aim of the study was to find associations between different levels of leisure time physical activity and the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality.
The study included 12 cohorts of subjects, aged between 40 and 85, ***88,140, from the National Health Interview Surveys over an 11-year period from 1997 to 2008. These subjects were divided into three groups, with the first group performing 10 minutes of physical activity per week, the second group performing 2.5 to 5 hours of activity per week, and the third group participating in more than 25 hours of activity per week.
Study findings:
Risk of all-cause mortality: compared with those who were not physically active, subjects who engaged in 10 minutes to 1 hour of physical activity per week had an 18% lower risk of all-cause mortality; those who engaged in 2.5 to 5 hours of physical activity per week had a 31% lower risk of all-cause mortality; and those who engaged in more than 25 hours of physical activity per week had a 31% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Participation in more than 25 hours of physical activity per week was associated with a 46% lower risk of death.
Risk of cardiovascular death: Subjects who were physically active for 10 minutes to 1 hour per week had a 12% lower risk of cardiovascular death; those who were physically active for 2.5 to 5 hours per week had a 37% lower risk of all-cause mortality; and those who were physically active for more than 25 hours per week had a 33% lower risk of mortality.
Risk of cancer death: 14% lower risk of cardiovascular death in subjects who participated in 10 minutes to 1 hour of physical activity per week; 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality in subjects who participated in 2.5 to 5 hours of physical activity per week; and 47% lower risk of mortality in subjects who participated in more than 25 hours of physical activity per week.
The researchers encouraged middle-aged and older adults to engage in physical activity, such as grocery shopping and gardening.
The researchers also recommended several sports for the elderly: gymnastics, tai chi, square dancing, golf, badminton, billiards, and walking. In addition to exercising muscles and enhancing physical fitness, these exercises can make older people feel happy and gain a positive mindset during the activities.
If you have elderly people at home, it is best to go for a walk with them every week, do not let the elders at home feel lonely, the elderly need more care.
References:
1./content/early/2019/02/26/bjsports-2018-099254
2. https://new.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/b-ell031519.php< /p>