Regular exercise helps older people maintain mobility and independence

Older people who took part in an exercise programme had 25% less time suffering major disability compared to those who did not exercise, says research in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

A total of 1,635 people aged 70–89 years, who had functional limitations but could walk 400m, were split into groups and followed for nearly three years. Half were given health education. The others (the exercise group) were given a structured programme of walking and strength, flexibility and balance training exercises.

The results showed that those in the exercise group:

• Recovered quicker after suffering a disability;
• Were more likely to maintain independence;
• And were less likely to experience disability in the first place.

The authors comment: “A structured physical activity program reduced the majoy mobility disablity burden for an extended period, in part through enhanced recovery after the onset of disability and diminished risk for subsequent disability episodes.”

Click here to read the original report.

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