12 | 29 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Healthy Lifestyle Changes Benefit Even the Elderly: New Study

For those whose past health and lifestyle choices did not promote optimal health, much can be done to reduce the risks of illness and injury in future years -- even among the elderly.  The finding is the result of new research conducted at New York-Presbyterian Hospital -- a teaching hospital of Columbia University and Cornell University.  The study was recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The research contradicts the conventional wisdom of many older people who believe that it's too late to improve their health.  By improving body mass composition -- lowering fat levels and increasing muscle mass, and eating plenty of vegetables and fruits -- even the elderly can stave off many of the diseases and health complications commonly associated with aging.

Researchers determined, specifically, that:

  • "Lowering high blood pressure or hypertension—a major risk for cardiovascular disease—through improved diet and exercise had more dramatic health benefits for the elderly than for any other age group. Control of hypertension could potentially prevent one-fifth of coronary heart disease cases in men, and 30 percent in women.
  • Older adults who adhered to a low-calorie diet with regular exercise had lower rates of cancer. In one study, risk was reduced by nearly 50 percent.
  • Benefits of weight training include increased ability to burn calories and prevention of osteoporosis.
  • Calcium and vitamin D supplements for seniors helped slow rates of bone loss and reduce the number of bone fractures."

    Authors of the study advise that although medical advances in the treatment of disease continue to improve public health, the best medical advice is to prevent illness and disease wherever possible, through healthy lifestyle choices and early medical intervention.

    Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

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