Key to healthy and happy old age: Exercise

London – A new study has found that exercising just once a week makes a person between three and seven times more likely to be considered a “healthy ager”.

For research purposes, scientists questioned 3,500 people, with an average age of 64, every two years about the regularity and intensity of their physical activity and also performed a host of cognitive tests.

The findings of the eight-year research showed that regular exercise boosts mental health and prevents serious disease and disability, the Daily Express reported.

According to Dr Mark Hamer, who led the research at University College London, sustained physical activity was associated with improved healthy ageing that is the absence of disease, high cognitive and physical functioning.

Hamer asserted that significant health benefits were even seen among participants who became active relatively late in life.

Doireann Maddock, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said that every 10 minutes counts, so even hopping off the bus a couple of stops early or taking a brisk walk on your lunch break will help.