The study suggests that senior people could improve their artery
elasticity—essential to prevent stroke and heart attack-- and overall health by doing aerobics.
To examine whether older adults could benefit from aerobics, a team led by Dr. Madden, a geriatric specialist at the University of British Columbia assigned older adults aged 65-83 to two groups.
The first group was not supposed to do exercise at all while those in the other group were put on vigorous exercises on treadmills and stationary bicycles for one hour, three times a week for three months.
For the purpose of the study, the researchers measured the stiffiness in the arteries of the subjects through monitiors implanted on their pulse points.
Impressive drop in arteries stiffiness in a short period
After the three months trial, the researchers noted those in the exercise group had shown improvements in the stiffiness of arteries by nearly 15-20 percent than their counterparts which was significant given the short span.
"The theory is that aerobic activity makes your arteries less stiff and makes artery walls more elastic," concluded Dr. Madden. “When the arteries become stiff and narrow the result is high blood pressure that in turn can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Aerobic exercise, even in older adults was shown to improve artery health by making them more elastic and relaxed”.
Older adults should workout to remain fit
The researchers suggested that older adults should regularly do aerobics to remain healthy and independent. They could indulge in enjoyable exercises like stair climbing, walking indoors or out, gardening, Tai Chi, golfing, dancing, and Yoga, they said.
Dr. Madden said, "It could mean visiting your family doctor to find out about provincially funded programs, or joining programs for seniors that are offered at many local community centres."
The study appears in the journal Diabetes Care and will be presented at the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, to be held in Edmonton on Nov.1.
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