Engaging in leisure activities to keep active can play a role in lowering older adults’ risk of death, especially from cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to the results of a National Cancer Institute study released Wednesday.
The study, involving 272,550 older adults, found a 13% lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease and cancer among those who were moderately active to active between 7.5 and 15 hours per week by participating in aerobic exercise — including running, cycling, swimming, racquet sports, golf or walking — compared with those who did not exercise.
Even small amounts of physical activity led to a 5% reduction in risk of death, according to study results. Findings were published in JAMA Network Open.
The researchers found that although all types of activities were associated with lower mortality risk, people who participated in racquet sports from 7.5 to less than 15 hours per week had a 16% reduction in mortality risk and a 27% reduction in risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Runners were found to have a 15% reduction in overall mortality risk and a 19% reduction in risk of death from cancer compared with those who participated in other activities.
The findings are in line with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend that older adults participate in multicomponent physical activity, including balance training, aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. The guidelines recommend that adults engage in 2.5 to five hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous aerobic exercise, each week.
Investigators concluded that it’s important for older adults to engage in leisure activities that they enjoy and can sustain in order to lower their risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Participants were part of the National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study. The research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute and National Institute on Aging.
