Study: If You're Over 40, Vigorous Exercise Can Help You Live Longer
By KYW Medical Editor Dr. Brian McDonough
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- If you're 40 or older, a new study out of Australia says you should start sweating.
People who get at least some high intensity exercise that makes them sweaty and winded could reduce their chances of dying early by up to 13%.
It's not a small study. About 240,000 people were followed for 6 years, and they categorized moderate exercise as things like swimming or social tennis -- where vigorous exercise was jogging or competitive tennis.
When they compared groups, researchers found those who said they competed in vigorous activity tended to live longer than those who had the social activity.
The death rate in this case was 9% lower. Any exercise is good, but this particular study is suggesting you ramp it up.
You should check with your physician before you try.