This is much less than the commonly recommended goal of 10,000 steps per day, noted lead author Michael J. LaMonte, PhD, professor of epidemiology and environmental health at the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Public Health.
Researchers from the University at Buffalo observed 6,000 people, mostly women between the ages of 63 and 99, collecting data on their physical activity, sedentary time, and cardiovascular health.
The simple message for older adults is "Sit less and move more"
Participants wore trackers for a week to measure physical activity.
Over a period of 7.5 years, there were 407 cases of heart failure in the group.
The results found that every 70 minutes of light activity (such as housework, self-care and other daily tasks), or 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity (such as climbing stairs, gardening, walking or jogging), reduced the risk by 12% - 17%.
For every 1 hour and 30 minutes of sitting still, the risk of heart failure increases by 17%, according to the New York Post.
Even light-intensity daily activity and walking can reduce the risk of heart failure for everyone, especially older women, so our data suggest that low levels of physical activity and intensity can still be beneficial in preventing heart failure later in life, said Professor LaMonte.
Research has also found that walking levels reduce the risk of heart failure.
Results showed that older adults, especially women, who walked just 2,500 steps a day significantly reduced their risk of heart failure.
Walking more, at about 3,600 steps a day, can reduce the risk of heart failure by 25 to 30 percent, according to the New York Post.
Elderly people who walk 3,600 steps a day reduce the risk of heart failure by 25 - 30%.
Dr Bradley Serwer, a US-based cardiologist who was not involved in the study, noted the importance of physical activity for heart health. He said: “It is important to stay both mentally and physically active, especially after the age of 50.
Low-impact activities like cycling, walking, swimming or yoga can be very beneficial, recommends Dr. Serwer.
The simple message for older adults is “sit less and move more,” adds Professor LaMonte.
And exercise doesn't have to be fancy, just try to be active in your daily life and try to break up sitting for long periods with a little walking.
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