A new study involving 3,893 senior Swedish seniors who were born between July 1937 and June 1938, has found a positive link between people being active and reduced heart disease/stroke occurrence. A second link was also found between spending more time engaging in non-exercise activity and significantly lower all-cause mortality.
In the new study, the study participants were regularly checked on their blood fats, blood sugars and blood clotting factor and they were asked about their lifestyle, which included information on their diet, whether they smoked or drank alcohol, and how physically active they were. The study participants were then followed until their death or until the end of 2010, an average of 12 years and 6 months. The researchers kept data on the participants’ heart disease events like heart attack and stroke or death from any cause.
The new study was not based on the amount of time spent being active or tallies from pedometers. Based on the study participants’ information, the Swedish researchers arrived at five categories of activities that they think promote physical activity, but which are not classified as exercise or training.
At the end of the study, the study researchers found that the highest level of daily physical activity was associated with a 27% lower risk of a heart attack or stroke and a 30% reduced risk of early death from all causes, compared with the lowest level, independent of how much additional, harder physical exercise the study participants got.
This new study strongly suggests the people over the age of 60 who do not want to do high-impact exercise such as running, swimming and biking, can benefit significantly from activities that are not as demanding as hard training or intensive exercise and that they can improve their heart health and live longer by engaging in low impact, non-exercise and ordinary low-intensity activity such as washing and repairing the car, doing Do-It-Yourself or DIY projects and yard work, mowing the lawn, cleaning house, climbing the stairs, gardening and doing more regular household chores. Older people can be the boss of their own lifestyle and the new study should encourage them to avoid leading a sedentary inactive daily life such as sitting behind a desk or on a couch all day or watching TV for long periods of time. In short, all types of activity is good because according to Elin Ekblom-Bak, PhD, the lead study author, when we move our muscles, they secrete myokines and proteins which are essential to the function of our organs and systems. Ekblom-Bak is from the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences and the Karolinska Institute, in Stockholm.
Research continues to show the positive effects of people being active. Physical activity is key in stress management as well. Stress has many negative implications to health, especially to the nervous system. The NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress ResponseSM is the body’s way of dealing with the cortisol released by the adrenal cortex within the adrenal gland during times of stress. When stress becomes chronic the NEM stress response becomes taxed and the adrenals become fatigued. It is important to note that stress can be both positive and negative in nature. The NEM stress response may be triggered by important events in life, times that are often joyous milestones, such as marriage, children, and vacations.
Adrenal Fatigue is often the result of an individual whom is suffering from chronic stress. The symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue are many and often overlooked by the medical community. The most common signs of Adrenal Fatigue include, but are not limited to, inability to handle stress, constant fatigue, digestive issues, depression, brain fog, feeling “wired and tired”, hypoglycemia symptoms, hormonal imbalances, low libido, and many others. Diet and exercise are essential in preventing and managing Adrenal Fatigue. If measures are not taken, Adrenal Fatigue may continue to progress, through the four stages of Adrenal Fatigue.
Many times, sufferers of Adrenal Fatigue find exercise difficult. It is important to start slowly and begin with gentle forms of physical activity such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and walking. For individuals in later stages of Adrenal Fatigue, Yoga breathwork may be an ideal starting point. The Adrenal Breathing Exercises are a great example of this for people being active but unable to do regular exercises. It is important to introduce exercise to the body slowly, in order to avoid adrenal crashes. The focus of exercise in the beginning is to work the respiratory system, cleansing it with different forms of breathing and to stretch the muscles of the body. When this foundation of exercise is well tolerated, strength training and cardiovascular exercise, such as Power Yoga, Aerobics, and biking, can be added slowly and with caution.
As with any exercise regimen, always consult your Primary Care Physician prior to beginning.
Staying active as you age isn't just about maintaining physical fitness—it's a key factor in promoting overall health and longevity. Engaging in regular exercise can significantly enhance your quality of life, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and help you stay vibrant and energetic well into your later years. The benefits of staying active are clear, and it's never too late to start incorporating physical activity into your routine.
Ready to embrace a more active lifestyle and boost your health? Contact us today for a free initial consultation and discover how we can support your journey to better health. Give us a call at +1 (626) 571-1234 to schedule your appointment!
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