Seniors who walked at least 150 minutes per week reported a 1.71 times higher quality of life compared to those who did not walk. (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, July 4 (Korea Bizwire) — A new study has found that elderly individuals who walk for at least two and a half hours per week experience significantly higher quality of life, with the benefits even more pronounced among those who are obese.
The research, led by Professors Kim Jeong-ha and Lee Hye-jun of Chung-Ang University Hospital’s Department of Family Medicine, analyzed data from the 2016–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, focusing on 6,060 adults aged 65 and older.
The team examined various forms of physical activity — aerobic, strength training, and walking — and their relationship to self-reported quality of life, stratified by obesity status.
While aerobic and strength exercises showed no statistically significant effect, seniors who walked at least 150 minutes per week reported a 1.71 times higher quality of life compared to those who did not walk.
Quality of life was assessed using the internationally recognized EQ-5D index, which measures mobility, self-care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression.
For obese seniors, the impact of walking was even more substantial: those who met the weekly walking threshold reported quality of life scores 2.33 times higher than non-walkers. Among non-obese participants, walkers still reported a 1.73 times improvement.
“Encouraging seniors — particularly those who are obese — to walk for 150 minutes a week is not only safe and effective but also a highly cost-efficient public health strategy,” said Professor Lee.
The findings were published in the latest edition of Geriatrics & Gerontology International.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
