Exercise For Longevity
January 28th, 2010
Older adults who continue or begin to do any amount of exercise appear to live longer and have a lower risk of disability, according to a recent study from the Archives of Internal Medicine.
“Physical activity is a modifiable behavior associated with health, functional status and longevity, and encouraging a physically active lifestyle has become an accepted public health goal,” the authors write.
Jochanan Stessman, M.D., and colleagues at Hebrew University Medical Center studied 1,861 individuals. Participants underwent assessments in their homes at ages 70, 78 and 85 years, during which they were asked about their physical activity levels.
Those who performed less than four hours per week of physical activity were considered sedentary. Those who exercised about four hours weekly, performed vigorous activities such as jogging or swimming at least twice weekly or who engaged in regular physical activity were considered physically active.
When compared with those who were sedentary, individuals who were physically active were more likely to remain independent and experienced fewer declines in their ability to perform daily tasks.
The benefits associated with physical activity were observed not only in those who maintained an existing level of physical activity, but also in those who began exercising between ages 70 and 85.
One important finding was the sustained protective effect of physical activity against functional decline. Physical activity may delay the decline that begins with inability to perform daily activities and continues through illness by improving cardiovascular fitness, slowing loss of muscle mass, reducing fat, improving immunity, and suppressing inflammation.
In addition to staying active, regular acupuncture maintenance treatments can enhance wellness and promote longevity by:
· Strengthening the body’s innate healing ability.
· Increasing vital energy.
· Reducing fatigue.
· Protecting against illness.
· Stimulating the immune system.
For information about acupuncture for health and longevity call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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