A Worthy 25-Minute Investment

A cornerstone of the anti-aging medical model, routine physical activity promotes independent living.  Researchers from the United Kingdom report that 25 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise everyday may reduce prescription usage and hospital admissions, among men and women ages 70 and older. Bethany Simmonds, from the University of Bath, and colleagues assessed data collected on 213 people, average age 78 years. Those subjects who completed  more than 25 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day – such as walking quickly, cycling or swimming  – received 50% fewer prescriptions. The team also observed that very little exercise associated with a higher risk of unplanned hospital admissions: participants who engaged in 3 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity were twice as likely to face hospital admissions, as compared to those who averaged 39 minutes.  Writing that: “Community-based programs are needed which are successful in engaging older adults in their late 70s and 80s in more walking, [moderate-to-vigorous physical activity] and activity that helps them avoid loss of physical function,” the study authors submit that: “There is a potential for cost savings to health services through reduced reliance on prescriptions and fewer unplanned hospital admissions.”