Nov 11, 2013 01:15 PM EST By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Mowing the lawn, housecleaning and other non-exercise physical activities can be as beneficial to a senior citizen's health as regular exercise, according to a study the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

"This is especially important for a lot of our patients who can't do regular exercise," Christine Herb, who specializes in geriatrics for the West Penn Allegheny Health System, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You can still remain healthy just by doing your regular daily activities."

In the study, researchers tracked the health of more than 4,000 Swedish men and women who were age 60 in 1997, 1998 and 1999 for 12 and half years. Based on the study, senior citizens with high non-exercise physical activity levels were 27 percent less likely to contract cardiovascular diseases, than seniors who were inactive.

The study also found that 30 percent of elders were less likely to die from all causes than inactive senior citizens. The results were "not significantly different" from senior citizens who did regular formal exercise, but had low non-exercise activity levels, the researchers found.

 Those who did both had the lowest risk. Activities such as gardening and housekeeping inspire positive self-esteem and improve quality of life. Herb said activities such as mowing the lawn and gardening are also good for the mind.

"Studies indicate remaining active in your life can be protective of your memory," he said.

Prior research indicates that keeping seniors physically and mentally, engaged can help them retain better cognitive function, stay healthier and live independently longer. They also benefit from social and emotional engagement.

Physical activity helps reduce the severity of illness, increases strength and reduces the risk of falling, ABC News reported.

More vigorous activities such as dancing can reduce high blood pressure, strengthen bones and lower the risk of heart disease. Dancing also provides a social outlet that stimulates the mind and can reduce the effects of dementia.

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