It has frequently been recommended that adults get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week. However, according to the CDC only about half of American adults actually meet that recommendation. The British Journal of Sports Medicine recently did a study looking at 1,180 men of the average age of 78. The men agreed to wear devices to measure their movement. They studied these men for five years, and concluded that "the overall volume of exercise, not necessarily how long or how hard someone exercised in a session, mattered most for longevity". What this means is that sporadic workouts of 10 minutes have similar benefits to lifespan as exercising for longer periods of time. This accommodation makes it much more likely for older men's lives. These quick exercises could include going for a walk, gardening, or riding a bike. This moderate level of physical activity was linked to a 17% lower risk of early death in the study. The researchers findings can alter existing physical activity guidelines that are in place. Short, low intensity workouts are much more attainable for older adults, and for them to know that their life expectancy will improve provides added motivation.
Meghna and myself have explored the idea of passive physical activity in health campus project. We believe that a large single-sited project will provide an opportunity for safe, frequent physical activity. This study done by The British Journal of Sports Medicine provides additional support for the benefits behind mixing program on a single site. The life expectancy in Lawndale is significantly lower than the rest of Chicago. Adding passive physical activity to a campus where most of their basic needs will be met could contribute to significant improvements in Lawndale life expectancy. The study specifies the benefits moderate physical activity could have on older adults. We're envisioning a campus with assisted living located near a grocery store, shopping, and ambulatory clinics. This will allow older adults to be able to walk to get their daily tasks done. They will also have the motivation of interacting with younger people participating in higher intensity physical activity at the fitness center and the high school. The data derived from the study should have a great influence on how we design living spaces for aging adults.
http://time.com/5166564/physical-exercise-can-increase-lifespan/
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/policies_practices/physical_activity/guidelines.htm
Here's a picture of me and my grandma after a "light" workout class. She just turned 90!
Chicago Neighborhood Life Expectancy Map
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