Benefits of exercise for the elderly

Many of us wonder if it's too late to start exercise in terms of experiencing actual health benefits.  For those who've asked themselves this question, a recent study attempts to provide the answer. Specifically, researchers in Portugal looked as some of the health benefits of exercise in a population with an average age of 76.  The study participants engaged in either a progressive strength or aerobic exercise for approximately four months.

After 16 weeks, the study researchers found improvements in their fitness, cholesterol levels, and markers of inflammation showing that it's never too late to start an exercise program.  Naturally, you should talk to your doctor prior to starting an exercise regime particularly if you're in an elderly age group.

For more information visit: Benefits of exercise for the elderly

Exercise as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

A recent review on the impact of exercise on osteoarthritis of the knee (the most common type of osteoarthritis) concluded the following:

"Meta-analyses support recommendations that exercise is important in osteoarthritis management. Benefits appear to be additive when exercise is delivered with other interventions such as weight loss. Mode of exercise delivery has cost implications and may influence overall outcome. It appears that supervised exercise sessions are superior to home exercises for pain reduction." "Based on studies showing a relation between weaker quadriceps strength and increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, particularly in women, strength training may be able to prevent knee osteoarthritis. Novel exercise programs that strengthen hip muscles or alter impairments in knee neuromuscular control may also influence disease progression" (Bennell et al, 2005).


*please refer to disclaimer text.



Bennell K, Hinman R. Exercise as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2005 Sep;17(5):634-40.