Walking for one hour in a week or only 10 minutes in a day, reduces mortality risk in persons aged 85 or older, according to findings of a study from South Korea presented at the ESC Congress 2022.^1,2

This study recruited 7047 adults, (average 87 years), from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Senior database from 2009 to 2014. Around 70% of the study population was female. Based on the answers given on a questionnaire regarding leisure-time physical activity per week, participants were categorised into five groups: no slow walking (57.5%), walking less than one hour (8.5%), walking 1-2 hours (12.0%), walking 2-3 hours (8.7%) and walking >3 hours (13.3%).

Data analysis revealed that around 15% of participants did moderate intensity activity such as cycling and brisk walking, while ~11% did vigorous intensity physical activity such as running. Less than 8% did moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity as recommended by guidelines. The WHO recommends a minimum of 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity every week. Thirty-three percent of those who walked at a slow pace also did moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity. Investigation of the association between walking and mortality risk found that persons who walked for a minimum of one hour in a week reduced their risk of all-cause mortality by 40% and cardiovascular mortality by 39% compared to those who did not walk at all.

Physical activity is recommended for all ages. Walking is the best form of exercise, which requires no investment, no special training. Walking in natural environments such as parks also reduces mental stress and fatigue and enhances mood by release of the ‘feel good’ endorphins. This study has demonstrated the benefits of walking for the very elderly even if it is just one hour in a week. They must be encouraged to be more active and reduce sedentary time.

References

1. European Society of Cardiology Press Release. Octogenarians should walk 10 minutes a day to prolong life. Available at: https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/Octogenarians-should-walk-10-minutes-a-day-to-prolong-life.
2. Just 10 minutes of walking a day can lead to longer lives - Medscape - Nov 08, 2022.