Nov 22, 2015 09:33 PM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

New research suggests that a simple stroll down the block could improve the cardiovascular health of older adults.

Researchers at Tufts University found that those who were more active had significantly lower risk of future heart attacks and stroke. Adults who walked at a pace faster than three miles per hour (mph) had a 50, 53, 50 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and total cardiovascular disease, respectively, compared to those who walked at a pace of less than two mph. Those who walked an average of seven blocks per day or more had a 36, 54 and 47 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease stroke and total cardiovascular disease, respectively, compared to those who walked up to five blocks per week.

"Our study of older Americans shows that, even late in life, moderate physical activity such as walking is linked to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease," Luisa Soares-Miranda, first author of the study, said in a statement. "It appears that whether one increases the total distance or the pace of walking, cardiovascular disease risk is lowered. Fortunately, walking is an activity that many older adults can enjoy."

For the study, researchers collected and analyzed data from more than 4,200 men and women who had been enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS).  The researchers used the information concerning physical activity, including walking, leisure-time activities and exercise intensity, and other health information coming from annual study visits such as physical exams, diagnostic testing, laboratory evaluations, personal health histories, and measured risk factors.

"While national guidelines recommend that older adults engage in regular physical activity, surprisingly few studies have evaluated potential cardiovascular benefits after age 75, a rapidly growing age group," Mozaffarian said. "Our findings confirm a beneficial relationship between walking and leisure activities and CVD late in life. These results are especially relevant because, with advancing age, the ability to perform vigorous types of activity often decreases. Our findings support the importance of continuing light to moderate exercise to improve health across the lifespan."

The findings are detailed in the journal Circulation.

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