Active living cuts risk of early death

Staying active in your later years can help avoid an early death, researchers in America have found.

Researchers at America’s National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Maryland carried out a study of over 100,000 adults with an average age of 71, publishing their findings in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The study found that those who took part in regular weight lifting sessions were 14% lower in their mortality risk, while those who favoured an aerobic workout, such as swimming or running that figure rose to 32%. The study found, however, that a combination of weights and aerobic exercise harboured the best results with those who did both where found to be at a whopping 41-47% less risk of death.

Official NHS Guidelines recommend that adults undertake 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, along with “Strengthening activities” at least two days per week.

Age UK Bolton Strength & Balance Service Manager Niall Bradley wasn’t surprised at the news but was pleased about the research into exercise for older people.

“I don’t think it will come as a massive shock to people that keeping active in our older years will keep us healthier and help to, not only prolong life but to enhance the quality of those later years. At Age UK Bolton we have sessions and classes throughout the borough and we see the positive results, both physically and mentally, of keeping active as we age.”

If you would like more information on what Age UK Bolton has to offer in the local area, check out the Strength & Balance section of the website, or call 01204 382411 to speak to a member of the team.