Young at heart: People in happy marriages are more likely to go out and exercise or take long walks helping them stay fit and healthy over the age of 65
- The Hawaii team looked at public health data from Albania, Columbia and Brazil
- They studied information on health, fitness and relationships for 1,1193 adults
- Those in happy marriages or relationships aged over 65 exercised more often
People stand a greater chance of remaining fit and healthy after the age of 65 if they are happily married, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa studied public health data from Albania, Colombia and Brazil involving 1,193 adults aged 65-74.
They found that those with a strong and stable relationship with a life partner were more likely to be involved in regular physical activity than single people.
This activity included long walks to exercise classes for instance – they also found couples had a good network of friends that helped keep them fit in mind and body.
The team say that relationships were the biggest impact on the amount of regular exercise, overall health and family for each participant in the study
Researchers found that as people get older if they are in a happy marriage or relationship they are more likely to go out and exercise than single people
The results, published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity, showed ‘interpersonal factors’ had the most significant association with regular physical activity of 150 minutes or more a week.
Researcher Chevelle Davis, from the Office of Public Health Studies, at the University of Hawaii, said: ‘We wanted to better understand how adults’ levels of physical activity are affected by other aspects of their lives.’
The results show the importance of contact with others for the elderly as well as the dangers of feeling socially isolated, said study co-author, Catherine Pirkle.
‘Older adults who experience social isolation are at greater risk of depression, cognitive decline and other poor health outcomes,’ David said.
‘We must find innovative ways to maintain connectedness and physical activity, while also following public health guidelines.’
She added: ‘These results are important because they reinforce that relationships are key to influencing positive health behaviours, including physical activity.’
Female participants in the study as well as all participants with depression, were less likely to engage in regular physical activity, according to the researchers.
‘In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical not to forget the importance of social relationships and maintaining physical activity to reduce chronic disease and premature death,’ said Pirkle.
Mental health challenges are likely to increase during periods of isolation, she said.
Walking, which is generally safe and acceptable to most older adults, has been shown to protect against depression symptoms and is possible when gyms are shut.
The results show the importance of contact with others for the elderly as well as the dangers of feeling socially isolated, said study co-author, Catherine Pirkle
‘Our findings echo other studies that have demonstrated the importance of connectivity in the ageing process across different cultures.
‘We hope this study can be used to inform health approaches and interventions targeting older adults to keep them healthy in this pandemic and beyond.’
An earlier study of the impact of exercise found that older people who engage in regular structured exercise had better mental agility and memory.
Researchers from the University of Calgary say older adults perform better on thinking and memory tests after just six months of aerobic exercise.
The study involved 206 adults who prior to starting the six-month exercise intervention worked out no more than four days per week at a moderate intensity or two days per week at a high intensity.
The volunteers had an average age of 66 and no history of heart or memory problems and were given thinking and memory tests before and after the exercise.