Regular Daily Activity Boosts Healthy Aging and Reduces Cardiovascular Risk

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology highlights the significant impact of incorporating frequent, light physical activities into daily routines for healthy aging. The research, led by scientists from Karolinska Institutet, emphasizes that not only the total amount of activity matters but also how often older adults move throughout the day. The study found that multiple short walks, regardless of walking speed, have protective benefits for cardiovascular health, especially among the oldest participants.

The investigation analyzed data from 423 initially healthy older adults over an average of 5.6 years. Using accelerometers to measure physical activity from 2016 to 2019, researchers tracked patterns such as steps taken, frequency of standing up, and time spent in different intensity levels of activity. They observed that in the entire group, an increase of 10 walking sessions in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each day was associated with a 10% reduction in cardiovascular events. Among the oldest participants (median age 82), every 100 additional sessions of light physical activity (LPA) decreased cardiovascular risk by 39%, and every 10 sessions of MVPA reduced risk by 13%. Interestingly, these protective effects were not evident in the younger subset (median age 66).

The findings suggest that integrating simple, frequent movements into daily life could be a practical approach for older adults facing challenges like fatigue, limited mobility, and chronic illnesses. As Anna-Karin Welmer, a co-author of the study, notes, this approach may enable more inclusive and achievable physical activity recommendations for aging populations.

The study underscores the importance of regular movement, demonstrating that consistent, light activity such as short walks can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Future research aims to further explore how different activity patterns influence other health outcomes and how older adults perceive and engage in daily physical activity.