By increasing their level of physical activity and decreasing sedentary behaviour older adults can significantly improve their quality of life, a new study has found.
Furthermore, the improved quality of life results in a reduction in the risk of early death and of hospitalisations.
The study, undertaken by the Cambridge University School of Clinical Medicine, examined activity levels among 1,433 participants aged 60 and above using accelerometers.
Alongside this, the team also looked at health-related quality of life (QoL), a measure of health and wellbeing that includes pain, ability to care for yourself and anxiety/mood.
Participants were followed up an average of just under six years later to look at changes in their behaviour and quality of life. The results of the study are published in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.
On average older adults reduced the amount of physical activity time and increased sedentary behaviour.
However, those individuals who did more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and spent less time sedentary at their first assessment had a higher quality of life later on.
Dr Dharani Yerrakalva from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge said: “Keeping yourself active and limiting – and where you can, breaking up – the amount of time you spend sitting down is really important whatever stage of life you’re at.
"This seems to be particularly important in later life, when it can lead to potentially significant improvements to your quality of life and your physical and mental wellbeing.”
Because the team measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour at different points of time, they say they can be reasonably confident that they have shown a causal link – that is, that quality of life improves because people remain more physically active, for example.
“There are several ways in which improvements in our physical behaviours might help maintain a better quality of life. For example, more physical activity reduces pain in common conditions such as osteoarthritis, and we know that being more physically active improves muscle strength which allows older adults to continue to care for themselves.
"Similarly, depression and anxiety are linked to quality of life, and can be improved by being more active and less sedentary.”
The researchers concluded that their work therefore supports the case for promotion of physical activity and limitation of sedentary time.
“QoL outcomes should be included in future intervention trials and cost effectiveness analyses.
"Our results add to the evidence for the wider benefits of interventions promoting physical activity and highlight the need for additional effective interventions.”
The University suggests five ways for older adults to stay active: bike riding; a brisk daily walk – ideally for around 20 minutes; gardening; dancing; tennis.