Exercise May Cut Long-Term Mortality in Older Adults, Study Says

A Spanish study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings determined more exercise could help extend one's life, reports United Press International . Analysis of nearly 3,700 older adults over a span of 14 years found physical activity lowered the risk of cognitive frailty by 35 percent. "Compared to those who were robust and active, participants with cognitive frailty who were inactive had the highest mortality risk, which was equivalent to being almost seven years older," said the University of Granada's Irene Esteban-Cornejo. Cognitive impairment and physical frailty were found to carry a higher risk of hospitalization, disability, and death. "This research may have important implications because the levels of physical activity are dramatically reduced in seniors while cognitive and physical functioning decline is naturally occurring," the researchers noted. Their recommendation is for older adults to exercise more.