It is never too late to work out

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A group of people in their eighties found significant health gains from an exercise program.
Many people fear they are too weak to exercise when they get older and so reduce their physical activity. But exercise can actually make you stronger, according to a study from researchers at the University of South Florida School of Aging Studies. They worked with 64 volunteers with an average age of 83.5 years who participated in a program of walking and resistance training exercises.

The group were divided into three - walking, resistance training, and controls who did not exercise. Those in the walking and resistance training sub-groups both showed increases in body strength, flexibility, balance and agility after participating. The researchers suggest that in later years, the benefits of exercise may be universal, rather than exercise specific. The message is, whatever activity you do, there are health benefits to be gained.

Source
Journal of Aging and Health February 2006

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