It’s common knowledge that exercise leads to better overall health. But new information indicates that even if someone hasn’t regularly exercised in the past, he or she can make up for lost time by adopting an exercise regimen later in life.
A study conducted at the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London tracked the daily regimens of 3,500 people with an average age of 64 over eight years. The study concluded there was a direct link between the likelihood of healthy aging and the amount of exercise in the daily regimen.
The study also and noted “significant health benefits were even seen among participants who became physically active late in life.”
“What’s great about this study is that [the researchers] were looking specifically at how physical activity can prevent chronic conditions and actually prevent people from developing memory and physical problems and other age-related issues,” said Judi L. Tassone, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Atrium Health. “There is a consistent relationship between people who stayed active or became active and healthy aging,” she added.
