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17 Jul 2008
Older adults can reduce their risk of disability and improve physical function by walking regularly, according to a new study.
Research published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy suggests that older people who keep to a regular walking routine are 41 per cent more likely to maintain independence, increasing their aerobic capacity by 19 per cent and physical function by a quarter.
The study's author, M Elaine Cress, professor of kinesiology and researcher in the University of Georgia Institute of Gerontology, said: "Our study found that walking offers tremendous health benefits that can help older adults stay independent."
Without the need for specialist equipment other than comfortable footwear, walking is a simple and low-cost way to stay active, improving overall health and wellbeing.
The study involved 26 adults over 60 assigned to a walking exercise group which met three times each week for four months. The group began walking continuously for ten minutes before increasing the time to 40 minutes.
Professor Cress added: "Aerobic capacity is really the engine that we draw upon for doing the things we want to do, whether it's cleaning up around the house or running a marathon. By increasing their aerobic capacity, the walking group was better able to perform their daily tasks and had more energy left over for recreational activities, like going out dancing."
Experts suggest that such a small effort to keep active can have a significant impact on quality of life.
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