Medical Myth 2 Older adults should not exercise

Medical News Today is an interesting newsletter they come out with all sorts of fascinating material In the latest installment of our Medical Myths series, they tackle myths associated with ageing. Because ageing is inevitable and, for some people, frightening, it is no surprise that myths abound.

The article was written by Tim Newman on September 7, 2020, and  Fact checked by Anna Guildford, Ph.D.

In our Medical Myths series, we approach medical misinformation head-on. Using expert insight and peer-reviewed research to wrestle fact from fiction, MNT brings clarity to the myth-riddled world of health journalism.

2. Older adults should not exercise

From the previous section, it is clear that this is a myth. According to an older article in Neuropsychobiology, keeping active can boost muscle strength, reduce fat, and improve mental health.

Some people think that, once they reach a certain age, there is no point in exercising, as they believe that it will provide no benefit. This is another myth. In one study, researchers put 142 adults aged 60–80 through a 42-week weight-lifting regime.

The scientists found that the course increased “dynamic muscle strength, muscle size, and functional capacity.”

There is also good evidence that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. A study, which involved 1,740 older adults, found that regular exercise was “associated with a delay in onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

However, people should consult their doctor before embarking on a new exercise regime if they have a medical condition. For example, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom indicate that people with certain conditions associated with age, such as osteoporosis, should avoid high impact exercise. However, the vast majority of older adults can indulge in some form of physical activity.