A brisk daily walk of just over ten minutes may be enough to halve the risk of a common health problem among older adults, according to a new study.
Researchers at Örebro University, led by Associate Professor Andreas Nilsson and Professor Fawzi Kadi, have uncovered a link between even moderate physical activity and a reduced risk of sarcopenic obesity. This condition, characterized by the combination of obesity and loss of muscle mass and strength, increases the risk of falls, fractures, illness, and loss of independence.
“Our results show that even moderate activity, such as walking briskly for 75 minutes per week, reduces the risk by up to 50 percent compared to being completely inactive,” said Andreas Nilsson. “The most active participants had up to 80 percent lower risk.”
The study, which included over 860 individuals aged 65–79 from four European countries, utilized motion sensors to provide a more accurate assessment of activity levels than self-reported data. This is important because accurately measuring physical activity can be challenging, and wearable technology offers a more objective approach.
Researchers found that even low-intensity activity – such as standing up and moving slowly – had a protective effect for those who didn’t meet recommended activity levels. “For those who cannot manage more strenuous physical activity, it can still be very valuable to reduce time spent sitting. All movement counts,” Nilsson explained.
The findings highlight the importance of maintaining physical activity as we age, even if it’s not a rigorous exercise routine. This research underscores that even small changes in daily activity can have a significant impact on health and well-being in older adults.
