A recent study suggests that ageing does not necessarily mean being frail or having poor health. They discovered in their study that active people in their 70s are as fit as those in their 50s.
The researchers examined older cyclists and they found out that there is actually little physical difference in people aged 79 and those aged 55 if they would maintain the same level of exercise and if they would stay active.
They selected fit and amateur cyclists whose ages fall between 55 and 79. A wide array of tests on their physical functions associated with aging were done including aerobic exercise, resting heart rate, breathing capacity, muscle density and skeletal mass.
They would want to originally see physiological markers to determine age but they had a hard time to distinguish who was older. "If you couldn't see these people many of these functions would point them to a much younger age," said Professor Stephen Harridge, Director of the Centre of Human & Aerospace Physiological Sciences at Kings College.
He added, "By exercising you do what your body wants it to do and are allowing to age optimally. So it is not ageing itself which brings about poor function and frailty, but the fact that people have stopped exercising and are no longer active."
In the study a total of 84 males and 41 females were picked. They are cyclists and were able to cycle 199 km in less than 6.5 hours and 60 km in 5.5 hours. They must complete these to be included in the study. However, those who smoke, drink alcohol and those with pre-existing health conditions were excluded.
For two days, they underwent a series of laboratory testing wherein their cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, endocrine, cognitive functions, neuromuscular, bone strength and health were all measured.
Apparently, participants who were older are as fit as those younger by 20 years.
Emeritus Professor Norman Lazarus, a member of the King's team and also a cyclist told reporters, "Inevitably, our bodies will experience some decline with age, but staying physically active can buy you extra years of function compared to sedentary people. Cycling not only keeps you mentally alert, but requires the vigorous use of many of the body's key systems, such as your muscles, heart and lungs which you need for maintaining health and for reducing the risks associated with numerous diseases."