Consistent Physical Activity in Middle Age Linked to Improved Health in Later Life for Women

New research highlights the long-term benefits of meeting physical activity guidelines by age 55 for middle-aged women.

Longitudinal study of over 11,000 Australian women reveals those meeting physical activity guidelines consistently or starting by age 55 have better physical health scores.
Women who began exercising in their mid-50s showed similar health benefits to those who were consistently active, underscoring the potential to 'reverse' years of inactivity.
Physical health benefits were significant even after accounting for socioeconomic and pre-existing health conditions, though no similar correlation was found with mental health scores.
Public health messages encourage adopting or maintaining an active lifestyle in midlife to enhance physical functioning and overall health later in life.
The study, published in PLOS Medicine, emphasizes the importance of physical activity for aging populations, especially given rising chronic health conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.