Walking helps the elderly

It appears that brisk daily walking for around 20 to 40 minutes a day is hugely beneficial in halving the risk of elderly men dying. Researchers in America have undertaken research in comparing the death rate of men aged between 70 and 92, comparing those who do no exercising or physical activity, with those who undertake varying degrees of fitness.

The research that emerged has shown that each two minutes of exercise will lower the mortality rate of this category of people by ten per cent.

The research was carried out by Dr Peter Kokkinos with from the Veterans Affairs Medical Centres in Washington and Palo Alto in California. The studies were carried out on over 3,000 men who were between the ages of 70 and 92. A complete medical history was monitored, together with body weight and history of smoking. The research was undertaken over a period of six years, and anyone who died during this time were recorded.

Each man tested was put into into four fitness categories, depending on their fitness tests. The results were significant: in the very low fitness group, for every 100 men who died, only 46 died in the high fitness category. In the moderate category, 74 died and 54 in the next group up.

Dr Kikkinos said: "The overall message is that although ageing and death are inevitable, the rate for both can be modulated by simply maintaining a physically active lifestyle at any age. Although I cannot guarantee that regular exercise will add years to your life, I am quite certain that it will add life to your years. It is important nevertheless to emphasise moderation."

However, he warned that slow and gradual exercise was the key initially, rather than excessive amounts.

The group also released details of another survey which found that men with slightly raised blood pressure had more of a chance of surviving if they were fit physically. 4,735 men with an average age of 56 were studied all of whom had a blood pressure higher than normal. Those who were fitter had a 75 per cent better survival rate over a ten year follow up time, based on their exercise capacity at peak levels.

These are long term important surveys which show how important exercise can be even for those who are elderly, revealing that life can be extended simply by walking more and doing more exercise.

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