Move it or lose it, as they say. So, walk people!
A study found one in four women over the age of 65 are unable to walk upstairs or even two blocks, but if they incorporate more light-intensity exercise it can help preserve their mobility.
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science observed 5,735 women who were 65 or older and found the ones who spent the most time doing light exercise were 46% less likely to experience loss of mobility over a six-year period.
Women with and without obesity also reduced their risk of losing mobility, but the benefit was strongest among women with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30.
Walking more frequently was cited as the easiest way to add more low-intensity exercise to a daily routine and women are being encouraged to do exactly that.
“Older adults who want to maintain their mobility should know that all movement, not just moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, counts,” senior author Andrea LaCroix said.
“We found that, among older women, light-intensity physical activity preserves mobility later in life.”
It is the perfect excuse to get that extra walk in at the park with an adored pet, friend or partner.
