For older adults, a generally active daily life is associated with cardiovascular benefits and reduced mortality, irrespective of regular exercise habits, according to a study published online Oct. 28 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
A total of 4,232 individuals were followed for an average of 12.5 years, during which time cardiovascular events and mortality were assessed. A questionnaire was used to ascertain non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) and exercise habits at baseline, while cardiovascular health was established through physical examinations and laboratory tests.
The researchers found that, regardless of regular exercise, high NON-EXERCISE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY was associated with more preferable waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in both sexes, and with lower insulin compared to those with low NEPA. For both regularly-exercising and non-exercising individuals, metabolic syndrome occurred significantly less frequently in those with higher NEPA levels.
A high NEPA level correlated with a significantly lower risk of a first cardiovascular disease event and with significantly lower all-cause mortality
For future health, promoting everyday NEPA might be as important as recommending regular exercise for older adults,” the authors conclude.