Start Exercising at This Age for Improved Quality of Life for Women

A new study published in the journal PLOS Medicine has shed light on the importance of physical activity for middle-aged women. The study, conducted by Australian researchers, followed 11,300 women in their late 40s or early 50s for 15 years to understand the impact of exercise on their quality of life as they age.

The researchers divided the women into three categories based on their exercise habits: those who met the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, those who started meeting the guidelines at ages 55, 60, or 65, and those who never exercised that much. The study assessed the women’s physical and mental health scores using a survey with 36 questions about functional health and well-being.

The results showed that women who consistently exercised 150 minutes a week or started meeting the guidelines at 55 had a three-point higher physical health score on average compared to those who didn’t meet the physical activity guidelines. This finding highlights the importance of staying active throughout mid-age to reap the benefits of better physical health in later life.

The researchers emphasized the need for women to increase their activity levels to meet the guidelines by age 55 to maximize the benefits for their physical health. The study also found that the effect of physical activity on the physical health score remained significant even after accounting for socioeconomic factors and pre-existing health conditions.

While the study didn’t find a significant association between physical activity and the mental health score, it still underscores the importance of staying active for overall well-being. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening exercises per week.

Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, biking on flat terrain, playing doubles tennis, and mowing the lawn. The activity doesn’t have to be done all at once and can be broken down into shorter intervals throughout the week.

Overall, this study serves as a reminder for middle-aged women to prioritize their physical health by staying active and meeting the recommended exercise guidelines. By starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine by age 55, women can enjoy a better quality of life as they age. It’s never too late to prioritize your health and well-being through physical activity.