Engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. (image: Andong City Office)
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — A recent study has revealed that seniors can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by exercising, even if they haven’t done it in a long time.
Researchers from Seoul National University Hospital observed the level of physical activity, cardiovascular and cerebral health among 1.2 million seniors over 60 years of age who took the national health examination between 2009 and 2012.
The team studied how changes in the level of physical activity impact the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
The results showed that engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Moderate physical activity includes gardening, walking for more than 30 minutes, and dancing. Vigorous physical activity includes running for more than 20 minutes, cycling, and aerobics.
The study showed that seniors who engage in physical activity after 2 years of no moderate or vigorous physical activity saw the risk of cardiovascular disease drop by a maximum of 11 percent.
Going from 1 to 2 times of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week to more than 5 times a week also led to a 10 percent decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Aborting all moderate or vigorous physical activity, however, increased the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For instance, those who responded that they engaged in moderate or vigorous physical activity more than 5 times a week, but stopped all physical activities afterwards, saw the risk of cardiovascular disease rise by 27 percent.
While moderate and vigorous physical activity was effective in preventing cardiovascular disease, most seniors barely engaged in any physical activity.
Comparing two examinations conducted during research, only 22 percent of seniors engaged in more frequent physical activity.
“The results of the study can be used to assess the risk of diseases by connecting with smartwatches, SNS, mobile payment, and dielectric data,” said Kim Kyu-woong, a member of the research team.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
