A new British study says the over-45s get more benefit from participating in sports because they tend to be more sensible in activities they choose. "Younger people take part in risky sports, get injured and get little health benefit," says Professor Jon Nicholl, head of the Medical Research Unit at Britain's Sheffield University, who led the study. "Older people take part in safer sports, sustain fewer injuries and gain very great health benefits."
Nicholl suggests appropriate sports for middle age and beyond should include tennis, jogging, swimming and cycling. And he lists the benefits that can result: "If an older person regularly takes exercise, it helps prevent heart attacks, diabetes and osteoporosis."
And it's never too late to get on the court or in the pool. "You do not have to be active all your life to get the benefits of sports in older age," Nicholl says. "Anyone who takes up physical activity in middle life or old age will get the benefit from it just the same as those who have been sporty all their lives."
