Seniors who exercise have reduced chances of experiencing physical decline as they age.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that older adults are less likely to experience certain health issues as they get older if they lead a physically active lifestyle.
"Physical decline is natural in this age group, but we found that people who exercised more declined less," said Lorraine Phillips, an associate professor in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing, in a press release. "The most popular physical activities the residents of the retirement community reported doing were light housework and walking, both of which are easily integrated into individuals' daily lives, but these exercises are not the best choices for maintaining muscle strength."
For the study, the researchers analyzed the physical activity of 38 residents at TigerPlace, a community area in Columbia, Mo. The examination was done four times in a year. The researchers tested the walking speed, balance and ability to stand up following sitting in a chair of the participants.
The researchers compared the results to those who self-reported participation in exercise. The study findings showed that participants who exercised showed lesser signs of physical decline.
However, researchers noted that most of the participants did not show improvement in muscle strengthening exercises, which are nationally recommended.
"For older individuals, walking may represent the most familiar and comfortable type of physical activity," Phillips said. "Muscle-strengthening exercises should be promoted more aggressively in retirement communities and made more appealing to residents."
The research was published in the journal Clinical Nursing Research.
