Gaby
A new study by researchers at the University of Sydney finds that regular physical activity is key to the well-being of middle-aged women. The team identified how much time women should dedicate to it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), middle age is defined as the period of life from 45 to 59 years.
The researchers say maintaining an active lifestyle during middle age is crucial to getting the most health benefits and feeling younger.
What the Researchers Discovered
The WHO recommends that adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) each week.
The research team analyzed data from 11,336 women who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, which spanned 15 years. At the start of the study, these women were between 47 and 52 years old.
Each participant was evaluated based on their adherence to the WHO’s physical activity guidelines of 2.5 hours per week.
The researchers also examined the quality of life of these women in relation to their health, using a questionnaire known as the Short Form 36 Health Survey. This survey contains 36 questions about functional health and well-being, grouped into two categories: Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS).
PCS provides information about limitations in physical activities (such as walking and climbing stairs) due to health issues, bodily pain affecting daily activities, and overall health status.
MCS measures energy and fatigue, how physical or emotional problems affect social activities, and overall mental health.
The study’s results indicated that women who were physically active throughout their lives, or who began being active by the age of 50, generally scored higher on the PCS and felt younger.
The impact of physical activity on PCS scores remained significant even after accounting for socioeconomic factors and existing health diagnoses.
However, the scientists found no significant link between physical activity and MCS, as reported by the Independent. The authors of the study wrote, ‘It is important for women to stay active during middle age to gain maximum benefits for their physical health in later life.’ They added that women should ideally start increasing activity by age 50 — though earlier is better.
The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Recommended Types of Physical Activity
According to the WHO, moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, cycling, dancing, mowing the lawn, or hiking.
Vigorous activities include running, swimming, fast cycling or hill cycling, stair climbing, jumping on a trampoline, and aerobics.
