Exercise for the Elderly

A recent study in Germany found that even the elderly benefit from regular exercise.  It was previously believed that because of the accelerated rates of muscle wasting in old age, exercise did little to benefit the elderly.  However, this new study found that regular aerobic exercise helped to prevent muscle wasting in elderly patients.  This means that it is important to continue to exercise throughout one’s entire life.  The study focused specifically on elderly patients who suffered from heart conditions.  It noted that because muscle is continuously shed and produced throughout one’s life, keeping it in top condition is something one must constantly do.  Because the heart is a muscle, doing these aerobic exercises helped those who suffered from heart conditions because their hearts where being conditioned and trained.  This should help to prevent future heart failings.  Most amazingly was how quickly the exercise affected the body.  The study showed that in a short four week period, subjects who partook in regular aerobic exercise were much healthier than those who did not.  This means it is never too late to start getting into shape.  It proves that even small amounts of regular exercise help to keep the body working in its best condition.

http://healthland.time.com/2012/05/08/exercise-keeps-muscles-young-even-in-elderly-heart-patients/