New research points to an active lifestyle that might have to do more with just being outdoors and puttering in one's own backyard, than a sophisticated gym routine.
A Swedish study has brought forth results that point to gardening and other DIY projects as more beneficial than repetitive and often taxing exercise done in enclosed settings.
The results were from a study that employed seniors, 60 years old and over, for a period of 12.5 years.
A reduced risk of up to 30%, of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, was observed in those who did those activities regularly.
The study points to the fact that the benefit might stem from the added bonus of undertaking activities that are less boring to seniors than conventional exercise routines. It also provided the seniors with lower levels of cholesterol, glucose, insulin and clotting factors (in men).
The level of benefit from such activities however, coincides with the daily level of activity. The more and longer the activities, the higher the reduced risk factor.
The researchers believe that the benefit comes from the heightened metabolic rate. At rest the metabolic rate slow down considerably and with it, are associated many metabolic function which 'deteriorate' with the lack of physical activity.
Aside from muscular contraction, activity provides better blood flow and circulation, elimination of toxins, regulation of hormones, and reduced inflammation.
Source : MNT / 10/29/13
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