Many people associate physical decline with old age, but according to researchers at the Karolinska Institute, new findings show that changes in the body’s shape and strength begin earlier than many believe.
This is relevant for adults of all ages, especially those considering when it makes sense to be physically active.
The study contributes to a broader understanding of health throughout adulthood.
It shows that exercise is important throughout life, particularly at a time when everyday life is often characterized by work and reduced physical activity.
Also read: Study finds obesity and high blood pressure may cause dementia
At the same time, the researchers point out that physical activity can always make a difference, even if one only starts later in life.
An unusually long study
The results of the new study, published in the scientific journal Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, are based on the Swedish Physical Activity and Fitness Study.
Here, researchers followed several hundred men and women for up to 47 years. Participants were tested repeatedly for cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance.
This type of long-term study is rare. Many studies compare different age groups at a single point in time.
Also read: Pork fat ranks higher than vegetables in new nutrition analysis
In this case, however, researchers were able to observe how the physical condition of the same individuals changed over time.
The key finding
The results show that fitness and strength begin to decline around the age of 35.
The decline occurs gradually and becomes more pronounced with age, regardless of how physically active a person has been earlier in life, the researchers conclude.
At the same time, the study shows that adults who start exercising later in life can improve their physical fitness by 5 to 10 percent.
Also read: Long-term diabetes treatment studied in relation to cancer outcomes
According to the researchers, this means that it is still valuable to be physically active, even after the decline has begun.
Sources: Science Daily, and Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.
Also read: Several children and adults affected by fungal infection in local community