Staying physically fit in old age increases mobility and health

Science World Report:

Staying physical throughout all stages of life is essential to mental and physical health. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Florida (UF) shows that routine physical activity helps older individuals maintain mobility while simultaneously reducing their risk of physical disability.

"The very purpose of the study is to provide definitive evidence that physical activity can truly improve the independence of older adults," said principal investigator Marco Pahor, Ph.D., director of the UF's Institute on Aging reported in the press release.

For the study, researchers examined 1,635 participants between the ages of 70 and 89. The team randomly separated the individuals into two separate groups that were followed for an average of 2.6 years each, from February 2010 to December 2013.

The first group consisted of 818 people who exercised by walking 150 minutes each week, combined with balance, flexibility and strength training. Individuals in this group also visited field centers twice a week. The second group of 817 seniors showed participants who went to health education classes and stretching exercises.
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The doctor tole me that my recovery from kidney failure was attributable to my good muscle tone  achieved through cutting firewood and walking two miles a day.   It also includes a healthy diet, but I feel much stronger now and am delighted to no longer need dialysis.