Household chores keep you living longer

Elderly people can prolong their lives, even if they don’t or can’t exercise, by keeping active, according to research in a recent edition of Journal of the American Medical Association.

Of 300 elderly people aged between 70 and 82 years who were surveyed, those who filled their days with the ordinary activities of life, such as shopping, cleaning and gardening, were more likely to be alive and well at the end of the eight years. The death rate among the least active third of participants was 25%; in the most active third, it was 12%.

For older people, shopping, cleaning, gardening etc are in effect exercise, say the researchers. ‘Normal’ exercise – jogging, swimming, working out in the gym – may be important for the young and middle aged, but for elderly people, the total amount of energy their bodies burn may be more significant.

There are still benefits for elderly people in undertaking a more structured exercise program, depending on a person’s physical capabilities – and it’s a good idea to consult a physiotherapist or doctor as to what’s most appropriate.