The Key to a Better Quality of Life for Middle-Aged Women: Staying Active
Hey there! Check out this recent study that sheds light on how crucial it is for middle-aged women to get moving—or keep moving—by the time they hit 55, if they want to enjoy a better quality of life down the road.
What’s the scoop? Well, researchers in Australia tracked 11,300 women in their late 40s or early 50s for a whopping 15 years. These ladies fell into three groups: those who met the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, those who didn’t initially hit that mark but started later in life (at 55, 60, or 65), and those who never quite reached that level of activity.
So, what did they find? Quality of life was measured using both physical and mental health scores, which were determined from a survey covering 36 questions about functional health and well-being.
Drumroll, please! The results showed that women who consistently hit the 150-minute exercise mark each week, as well as those who ramped up their activity levels by 55, scored an average of three points higher on the physical health scale compared to their less active counterparts.
The study’s authors had some clear advice based on their findings: it’s crucial for women to stay active throughout their mid-life years if they want to reap the most benefits for their physical health later on. In fact, they suggest that ideally, women should aim to up their activity levels to meet the guidelines by the time they hit 55.
Wondering what kind of activities count? Think brisk walking, water aerobics, leisurely bike rides on flat terrain, a game of doubles tennis, or even tackling the lawn mower. And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to do it all at once. Breaking it down into 30-minute chunks, five days a week, or shorter bursts throughout the day works just fine.
So, let’s lace up those sneakers and get moving!
