As we get older, it can be increasingly difficult to make exercise a priority. With full-time work schedules, family responsibilities, and a busy social life, getting regular exercise can take a backseat, even if we don't want it to. But new research highlights just how important bicycling and walks are for your heart, especially for people 60 and older.
El study, published in the European Heart Journal, enrolled more than 1 million people over the age of 1 in South Korea, who had no history of cardiovascular disease at the time they were first tested.
When the researchers analyzed this data in subsequent years, they found a correlation between the amount of physical activity people engaged in and the risk of stroke and heart disease. Specifically, those who did moderate exercise (30 minutes or more a day, brisk walking, dancing, or gardening) or vigorous exercise (20 minutes or more of running, cycling, or aerobic exercise) had a 11% less likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke. However, those who got less than that were 27% more likely to develop heart or vascular problems.
Riding a bicycle improves cardiovascular levels
According to research, regular physical activity ensures that your body can regulate your glucose levels using insulin, which keeps blood sugar in check. waist circumference, blood pressure and cholesterol.
All of these factors are beneficial if kept in check because they play critical roles in cardiovascular health. In fact, some previous studies have linked high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol with cardiovascular disease.
The conclusion, according to the author of the study, is that older people should maintain or increase their frequency of exercise fitness to benefit your cardiovascular health.
Bicycling falls into the category of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Therefore, the researchers hope that this research may encourage adults to cycle more within their physical ability to do so.