A big longitudinal study headed by University College London's Dr Mark Hamer over a number of decades has shown that consistent moderate to brisk exercise during middle age is the key to remaining healthy. The study measured the biochemical markers in relatively sedate people compared with physically active participants. Activities do no not necessarily have to be 'high impact' sports, but are more likely to include:
- brisk walking
- vigorous gardening
- cycling
- housework
- home maintenance
Dr Hamer says: "It is especially important for older people to be physically active because it contributes to successful aging". Interestingly, the percentage of exercising participants increased at the point of entering retirement. Hamer said that "...we have shown that retirement seems to have a beneficial effect on physical activity levels". The good news is that it is never too late to change and that those who changed from being inactive to becoming active exercisers achieved lower inflammatory markers. The participants were part of the ongoing Whitehall II study, which has been running since 1985 and includes more than 10,000 British civil service participants to investigate social and occupational influences on cardiovascular risk.
