Beginner's Fitness Programs

Even in your 70′s, you can gain muscle, improve your health, have better physical function, and live longer! Yes, that is what scientists say.

Physical activity is one factor you can modify to improve your health, longevity, and physical function. Is it too late to start if you are already 50 years old and in the last 40 years you have lived very sedentary life? A research study conducted by Hebrew University Medical Center and Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, says it is never too late. The researchers monitored people in their early 70′s to late 80′s, and found that those people who work out regularly have better health and physical function compared to their sedentary counterparts, even if their counterparts are much younger.

These benefits are also prominent for those who started working out between the ages of 70 and 85 years old. That’s a sweet deal.

The authors said, “despite the increasing likelihood of frailty, dependence and ever-shortening life expectancy, remaining and even starting to be physically active increases the likelihood of living longer and staying functionally independent.”

So it is not too late, especially if you are in your 40′s or 50′s. Just start today. You will have a happier life when you get your 80s.

Source: JAMA and Archives Journals (2009, September 17). Active Older Adults Live Longer, Have Better Functional Status.

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