A new study from researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia has revealed that regular physical activity is key to the well-being of middle-aged women. The scientists have determined just how much time women should dedicate to this activity.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), middle age is defined as the period of life from 45 to 59 years.
The researchers emphasized that it is crucial for women to maintain an active lifestyle during middle age to reap maximum health benefits and feel younger.
What the Researchers Discovered
The WHO recommends that adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) each week.
The research team analyzed data from 11,336 women who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, which spanned 15 years. At the start of the study, these women were between 47 and 52 years old.
Each participant was evaluated based on their adherence to the WHO’s physical activity guidelines of 2.5 hours per week.
The researchers also examined the quality of life of these women in relation to their health, using a questionnaire known as the Short Form 36 Health Survey. This survey contains 36 questions about functional health and well-being, grouped into two categories: Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS).
PCS provides information about limitations in physical activities (such as walking and climbing stairs) due to health issues, bodily pain affecting daily activities, and overall health status.
Meanwhile, MCS measures energy levels, feelings of fatigue, and assesses the extent of social or other activities impacted by physical or emotional problems, as well as mental health.
The study’s results indicated that women who were physically active throughout their lives, or who began this journey by the age of 50, generally scored higher on the PCS and felt younger.
The researchers noted that the impact of physical activity on PCS scores was significant, even when accounting for socio-economic factors and existing health diagnoses.
However, the scientists found no significant correlation between physical activity and MCS, as reported by the Independent. The authors of the study concluded, “It is important for women to stay active during middle age to gain maximum benefits for their physical health in later life.” Ideally, women should start increasing their activity levels by the age of 50, the researchers added, but the earlier, the better.
The findings of the study were published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Recommended Types of Physical Activity
According to the WHO classification, moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, cycling, dancing, mowing the lawn, or hiking.
More intense exercises consist of running, swimming, fast cycling or hill cycling, stair climbing, jumping on a trampoline, and aerobics.