Physical fitness in middle age is tied to a lower risk of late-life depression and death from cardiovascular disease, a new study reports.
Both depression and cardiovascular disease are common in older people, and rates of depression are high in the presence of cardiovascular illness, especially stroke. Moreover, depression is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in cardiovascular disease patients.
Researchers examined 17,989 men and women, average age 50, from 1971 to 2009, gathering health and behavioral information, including data on aerobic and active fitness. They followed them from the time they initiated Medicare coverage through 2013. There were 2,701 diagnoses of depression and 841 cardiovascular deaths. The study is in JAMA Psychiatry.
Depression and cardiovascular disease rates declined steadily as fitness in middle age increased. Compared with those in the lowest fitness category, people in the highest were 16 percent less likely to have depression, 61 percent less likely to have a cardiovascular illness without depression, and 56 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease after becoming depressed.
This information was taken from an article written by Nicholas Bakalar
So, taking up a moderate form of exercise now when your reaching mid-age, which specialists regard as being between the age of 38-55 yrs. old. Can go a long way in helping you keep mentally alert and physically active as you age.
Again, one of the best ways to ease into a more physically active lifestyle is to begin by walking. We know you have all heard about the benefits of walking for your health, but this study only confirms the fact that this one simple thing can be very beneficial to you, now and later in life.
Naturally, the first thing you need to do before engaging in any new form of activity is to consult with your doctor. You want to make sure you get a complete checkup before starting something new. Then set a realistic goal for yourself on both the distance you want to begin walking towards and the amount of time you would like to accomplish that distance in. This is all a part of “Goal Setting”.
Research has shown that people DO need to set realistic goals for themselves when you set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based goals you are more likely to achieve them. Without setting a goal, you then minimize the importance of why you are setting out on this life alternating change. After all, your doing this for one of the best reasons there is, to live longer, live a healthier life, and maintain your mental faculties along the way!
After consulting with your doctor and following his/her advice on starting out on your walking towards a lifestyle change. The best way to measure your goals is to use either a good reliable Pedometer Like the Omron HJ322U Downloadable Activity Monitor. The 322U uses a Tri-Axis technology to accurately count steps when the unit is flat, vertical, or horizontal. It also tracks "brisk steps" separately from regular steps along with distance and calories burned. The pedometer is also able to connect to Omronwellness.com via USB to upload information.
But if you want something a little more day to day functional, a device that can grow with you as your activity levels also increase is a good Smartwatch. One that I recommend for those starting on their fitness journey, while not quite knowing just how far along that fitness path they may find themselves is the Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch. Fitbit 's “PurePulse” feature offers continuous heart rate and multi-sport modes enhance every exercise, while next-generation features like Connected GPS and “FitStar” workouts on your wrist help you take your fitness to the next level. All-day activity and sleep tracking and call, text & calendar notifications help you track your day with ease.
So, WALK and stay focused on achieving a healthier body that will also keep pace with your mind as you get older. After all, you’ve got a lot of “Life Experience” that needs passing on to the younger generation. Let's make sure you remember all the details.
Your walking buddies here at PedometersUSA.com