Older adults can boost longevity 'with just a little exercise'

[Northerner]

Even a small increase in light activity, such as washing dishes, a little gentle gardening, or shuffling around the house, might help stave off an early death among older adults, researchers say.

Being sedentary, for instance, by sitting for long periods of time, has been linked to an increased risk of developing many conditions, including heart disease, as well as an early death.

The latest study backs up previous research suggesting that reducing time spent sedentary and replacing it even with light movement is beneficial. It says higher levels of any physical activity help ward off an early grave.

“It is important for elderly people, who might not be able to do much moderate-intensity activity, that just moving around and doing light-intensity [activity] [will have] strong effects and is beneficial,” said Ulf Ekelund, a professor and first author of the study at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.

https://www.theguardian.com/society...n-boost-longevity-with-just-a-little-exercise

 

[Matt Cycle]

God, is this what we've got to look forward to? Washing the dishes and shuffling around the house? Sounds great. 🙄 Presumably they're already washing the dishes and most are shuffling a lot anyway - to the toilet! 😱

 

[Lisa66]

So I’m guessing this person has either eventually run out of dishes and shuffled to the kitchen, or just read your post!🙂

 

[mikeyB]

God, is this what we've got to look forward to? Washing the dishes and shuffling around the house? Sounds great. 🙄 Presumably they're already washing the dishes and most are shuffling a lot anyway - to the toilet! 😱

Well. that's how I have to live - except the dishes are washed by Neff. And I do have to shuffle of to the toilet, so I'm quite pleased by this report. I don't mind, you play the cards you are dealt.

 

[silentsquirrel]

One of the 'joys' of getting older is that things you once did speedily with no thought at all, eg putting on your socks, can take much longer and even need some planning as to the easiest method!
When I was younger I could not understand why some older people might need help cutting their own toenails - why not do it yourself? I am not quite there yet, but sometimes struggle to get the feet close enough to dodgy eyes so I can be sure I will be cutting nail not toe! 😱 Lots to look forward to, Matt!

 

[mikeyB]

I have a sock applicator, which makes getting dressed easier, and pay a podiatrist to come and cut my nails, though my biggest help by far is the rise and recline armchair. It's good to have enough money to pay for all these luxuries, many disabled people can't afford stuff like a £600 chair. It's actually quite expensive being disabled. If I didn't have an excess of disposable income, I'd never get out of the house.

 

[Eddy Edson]

I guess this is the study: https://www.bmj.com/content/366/bmj.l4570

Conclusion Higher levels of total physical activity, at any intensity, and less time spent sedentary, are associated with substantially reduced risk for premature mortality, with evidence of a non-linear dose-response pattern in middle aged and older adults.

 

[Matt Cycle]

One of the 'joys' of getting older is that things you once did speedily with no thought at all, eg putting on your socks, can take much longer and even need some planning as to the easiest method!
When I was younger I could not understand why some older people might need help cutting their own toenails - why not do it yourself? I am not quite there yet, but sometimes struggle to get the feet close enough to dodgy eyes so I can be sure I will be cutting nail not toe! 😱 Lots to look forward to, Matt!

I can't wait. At the foot check the nurse says "who cuts your nails?" I'm like 'what?' why would anyone else be cutting my nails?