Too old to exercise?

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When we think of the benefits of exercise, we somehow always picture it benefitting a young adult who will continue to exercise regularly.  We rarely think of the benefits of exercise in older individuals.  It turns out we don't think about it enough.

A new study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine monitored 6,000 Norwegian men for 12 years and found that 51% of the men who died in their 70s were sedentary, whereas only approximately 25% of the men who died exercised moderately to vigorously.  This shows a clear correlation that men who exercise moderately or vigorously are likely to live longer.  They also found that 30 minutes of moderate exercise six days a week was associated with a 40% lower risk of death.

These numbers are impressive when you consider the fact that most medications cannot produce the same results.  Add to the fact that most medications usually have some type of side effect, exercise is quite simply the safest bet in preventing disease.  Best of all, exercise comes in various forms and you can decide what works best for you.

So if you've ever wondered if it's too late to exercise, think again.  Exercise can not only be started at any age, but this study shows that it is never too late.  For more information on exercise, visit Exercise is Medicine.