A study shows that physical activity in middle age helps people keep their mobility later on.

Previous work has shown how physical activity in midlife can help prevent many chronic diseases. Now a team at the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland, reveals how physical activity also impacts positively upon mobility in later life.

They looked at 1155 adults aged 65 or more with an average age of 74.8 years - the oldest being 102! Participants reported on their recalled level of physical activity in midlife. The researchers then measured their current mobility. Those who had been most active in their midlife scored highest on these tests. Failure to complete a 400 meter walk - a standard mobility measure - was also significantly less likely among physically active men than their less active peers. But this connection was not seen for women. The take home message is - aim for 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days to reap huge benefits in later life.

Source

American Journal of Preventive Medicine September 2006 Volume 31 Number 4