Otherwise, they can do 75 minutes of vigorous activity in the same period of time, but the most important thing is to break prolonged periods of sedentary lifestyle, even with light exercises, according to the journal Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.

Any activity -say researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK- should be appropriate to the physical conditions of each individual.

When adults are over 60 years old and reduce their exercise time, they compromise their quality of life, and the same fate will befall sedentary people who prefer reading and watching television.

Exercising in old age is quite important, as it increases heart rate, reduces risk of a number of diseases including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

More physical activity reduces pain in common conditions such as osteoarthritis because it improves muscle strength.

Exercise-in addition to fighting off anxiety and depression-helps older adults continue to take care of themselves.

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