For a better quality of life, stay active!

Researchers from the University of Cambridge looked at the effects of physical activity on the physical and mental health of people aged 60 and over. They followed nearly 1,500 seniors for six years. During this period, the researchers measured the participants’ physical activity and their quality of life. Quality of life can be assessed using several health and well-being criteria (possible pain, ability to take care of oneself, anxiety, mood, etc.). The participants were asked, at the beginning and at the end of the study, to self-evaluate their quality of life by indicating a score from 0 to 1. The number 0 corresponding to a poor quality of life and the number 1 to a very good quality of life.

Time spent in physical activity declines with age

The study reports that, six years after the first assessment, the participants were less active than during the first control. The participants (both men and women) were about 24 minutes less active daily, and had become more sedentary (33 additional minutes of inactivity per day on average for men and 38 minutes for women). The most active participants (those practicing moderate to intense activity) and therefore the least sedentary during the first control of the researchers declared to have a better quality of life six years later. In detail, one hour of physical activity per day was associated with an increase in the quality of life score of 0.02 points. The researchers indicate that for each less minute of physical activity per day compared to six years ago, the quality of life score fell by 0.03 points. This means that a person who reduces their daily physical activity time by 15 minutes will see their quality of life score drop by 0.45 points.

Physical inactivity increases the risk of premature death and hospitalization

The study also reveals that sedentary behavior can also affect quality of life. Indeed, each additional minute of sedentary time per day induces a drop of 0.012 in the quality of life score. Scores which are not without consequences on health since the scientists specify that an improvement of 0.1 point induces a reduction of 6.9% in the risk of premature death and 4.2% in the risk of hospitalization.

“Staying active while limiting the time spent sitting is very important, regardless of our age. But practicing physical activity every day is all the more useful in old age because it helps to improve the quality of life, but also physical and mental well-being”, said Dr. Dharani Yerrakalva, co-author of the study. This can be daily walking (ideally 20 minutes), gardening, cycling, dancing or playing tennis. Activities that increase heart rate. “Daily physical activity contributes to maintaining a good quality of life because it reduces pain linked to osteoarthritis and strengthens the muscles, which allows seniors to remain independent for longer. But that’s not all. A good quality of life also means less risk of suffering from anxiety and depression”, concludes Dr. Yerrakalva.