A recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge has revealed a significant connection between physical activity levels and the quality of life among adults aged 60 and above. The findings highlighted the importance of encouraging older adults to stay active and minimize sedentary behavior.
Engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, which raises the heart rate, has been widely acknowledged to reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. For older adults, it is also advised to break up prolonged periods of sitting with light activity or standing since this provides distinct health benefits.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge examined the activity levels of 1,433 participants aged sixty and above using accelerometers as part of the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer)-Norfolk study. They also assessed health-related quality of life, encompassing aspects such as pain, self-care ability and mood/anxiety.
Participants completed a questionnaire, and their responses were used to assign a score ranging from 0 (worst quality of life) to 1 (best). Lower quality of life scores are associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, poorer outcomes after hospitalization and premature death.
Follow-up assessments conducted nearly six years later revealed that both men and women were engaging in approximately 24 minutes less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day on average. Concurrently, sedentary time increased by around 33 minutes for men and 38 minutes for women.
The study found that individuals who engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and spent less time sedentary during their initial assessment experienced higher quality of life scores in subsequent evaluations. An additional hour of active time…
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