Walk to avoid disability in old age

Older adults can decrease their risk of disability and increase their likelihood of maintaining independence by 41% by participating in a walking exercise programme, according to a new University of Georgia study.

The study was published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Researchers found that walkers increased their peak aerobic capacity by 19% and their physical function by 25% compared to a control group.

The exercise group, all over 60 years, met three times a week for four months. They started with 10 minutes of continuous walking and built up to 40 minutes over the study period. Participants apparently really enjoyed the programme, which had a huge impact on their daily lives.