Light exercise can lower death risk older men study finds

A new study has found that light exercise can lower the risk of death in older men. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), analyzed data from over 12,000 men aged 65 and older and found that those who engaged in light physical activity, such as walking or light stretching, had a lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who were sedentary.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of California, Los Angeles, used data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study, which followed men aged 65 and older for an average of 10 years.

The researchers found that men who engaged in light physical activity, such as walking or light stretching, had a 14% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who were sedentary. They also found that men who engaged in moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, had a 24% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who were sedentary.

The study's lead author, Dr. Kristine Yaffe, said that the findings suggest that even small amounts of physical activity can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of death in older men. "Our study shows that even light physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of death in older men," she said. "This is important because many older adults may not be able to engage in more strenuous physical activity due to health limitations or other factors."

The study's findings are consistent with previous research that has shown that physical activity can have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week for adults aged 65 and older.

The study's authors note that the findings are based on observational data and do not establish causality, but they suggest that the results could have important implications for public health policy and clinical practice. "Our study suggests that even small amounts of physical activity can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of death in older men," said Dr. Yaffe. "This is important because many older adults may not be able to engage in more strenuous physical activity due to health limitations or other factors."

The study's findings are also consistent with previous research that has shown that physical activity can have numerous cognitive and emotional benefits, including reducing the risk of dementia and depression. The study's authors suggest that the findings could have important implications for the development of exercise programs and other interventions aimed at promoting physical activity and improving health outcomes in older adults.

In conclusion, the study's findings suggest that even light exercise can lower the risk of death in older men, and that physical activity can have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving cognitive and emotional well-being.