Did you know that exercise is protective against heart disease – even as a preventive measure for those who start at 70-75 years old? The power of exercise!

Study Summary

Recent research found that for older adults aged 70-75, a short bout of 20 minutes of daily exercise, moderate to vigorous in intensity, reduces the risk for heart disease.

Similar studies have found that exercise started around this age is preventive for heart disease – suggesting that additional benefits come from faster walking pace, longer distance, and higher intensity exercise.

The Hearty Take

Never say that it’s too late to start exercising! At Hearty, we know that exercise helps slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and balance hormones associated with poor heart health. Exercise also helps manage blood flow. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (walking, running, swimming, biking), or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, alongside twice-weekly resistance training (as per the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans). If you’re 70-75 years of age, aim for 20 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous intensity exercise!