Both men and women lose about half their aerobic capacity – their ability to process oxygen – by the age of 60, if they haven’t undertaken any planned exercise. Yet one of the most important factors affecting quality of life in advancing years is the availability of sufficient aerobic power. Many people run out of “puff” too easily. Eventually, everyday activities become “intolerably fatiguing”, says a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
However, a relatively high-intensive aerobic exercise programme, such as one that involved at least 30 minutes on a bike or exercycle, brisk walking, jogging or swimming can improve maximal aerobic power by 25% - the equivalent of turning back the clock in age terms, 12 years, for many older people.
Independence is also prolonged, muscle and bone strength is improved, and the risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and illnesses such as depression, are reduced.
Do intensive exercise, reverse aging by 12 years)