New Study Shows Exercise Cuts Diabetes Risk in Older Adults
As we age, our risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes increases. However, a recent study published in Age and Ageing suggests that regular exercise can significantly reduce this risk in older adults. The study found that older adults who follow weekly aerobic and resistance training guidelines have a lower risk of developing diabetes.
The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, analyzed data from over 3,000 adults aged 60 and older. The participants were divided into three groups based on their physical activity levels: low, moderate, and high. The researchers found that those who engaged in high levels of physical activity had a 37% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who engaged in low levels of physical activity.
The study’s findings are significant because they highlight the importance of regular physical activity in supporting healthy aging. As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes that can increase our risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes. However, by engaging in regular physical activity, older adults can reduce their risk of developing these diseases and improve their overall health and well-being.
So, what does the study mean for older adults? The study’s findings suggest that older adults who engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can reduce their risk of developing diabetes. The study also found that engaging in resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, can also help to reduce the risk of diabetes.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Sarah Schott, emphasized the importance of incorporating both aerobic and resistance training into an exercise routine. “Our study shows that older adults who meet both the aerobic and resistance training guidelines have the lowest risk of developing diabetes,” she said. “This highlights the importance of incorporating a combination of exercises into an exercise routine.”
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research that has shown the benefits of exercise in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. For example, a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older adults who engaged in regular physical activity had a 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not engage in regular physical activity.
So, what can older adults do to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routine? Here are a few tips:
- Start small: If you’re new to exercise, start with short periods of physical activity, such as 10-15 minutes a day, and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time.
- Find activities you enjoy: Engage in physical activities that you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, or swimming. This will make it more likely that you will stick with your exercise routine.
- Incorporate resistance training: Incorporate resistance training into your exercise routine, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises. This can help to improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of falls.
- Make it a habit: Try to make physical activity a regular part of your daily routine, such as going for a walk after breakfast or doing a few sets of exercises in the morning.
In conclusion, the study’s findings highlight the importance of regular physical activity in reducing the risk of diabetes in older adults. By incorporating both aerobic and resistance training into an exercise routine, older adults can reduce their risk of developing diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/how-exercise-helps-older-adults-lower-diabetes-risk
