Dr. Kenneth Madden, speaking at the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, has unveiled new research that demonstrates the benefits of aerobic exercise for older adults. Dr. Madden’s work studied a group of adults  between the ages of 65-83 with controlled Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. Three months of exercise resulted in an improvement  in the elasticity of the arteries of the group that performed the activity compared to those who didn’t exercise.

“The subjects were divided into two groups to either receive three months of vigorous physical activity (one hour, three times per week) or to get no aerobic exercise at all. Subjects were classified as sedentary at the beginning of the study but gradually increased their fitness levels until they were working at 70 per cent of their maximum heart rate, using treadmills and cycling machines. They were supervised by a certified exercise trainer.”

While some may worry about the high level of activity engaged in by the participants, Dr Madden says “There seems to be a knee-jerk reluctance to getting these older adults to exercise yet we used a vigorous level of activity and didn’t have any trouble keeping participants in our study. They enjoyed the activity. People always underestimate what older adults can do.”

He also notes, however, that many people need a kick start to motivate them into a regular fitness program.  In aid of this, you can visit the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection’s Senior section here, and find your local YMCA here. You can visit the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s website here.