© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Fitness in Older Women

JAMA 289:2383, May 14, 2003

n=7553 age 65+

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Physical Activity and Mortality Risk

1.000.92

0.52

0.00

0.25

0.50

0.75

1.00

Always sedentary Became sedentary Became activeAll

-Cau

se M

orta

lity

(R

R)

Physical Activity Statusn=7553tracked 12.5 yrs

JAMA 289:2383, May 14, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Summary

• Older women who increased their activity level by walking about 1 mile per day (8.2 miles/wk) had:– A 40-50% decrease in mortality from:

– Overall risk of dying, cardiovascular disease, and cancer

• Women who became sedentary, had higher mortality rates

• Women who became physically active during the study cut their risk of dying in half

• Physical activity initiated in older age increases longevity

JAMA 289:2383, May 14, 2003