Moderate exercise reduced the onset of arthritis symptoms in women age 72-79 by 46%.

The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women followed two groups of women (ages 48-55 and 72-79) for three years who had reported no arthritis symptoms. Those exercising 1.5 hours per week experienced significantly less arthritis symptoms, and 2.5 hours per week showed an even greater preventive effect. Moderately active middle age women reduced their risk by 29% while the older age group reduced it by 46%.

PositiveTip: The older we get the greater the benefit of exercise. It helps prevent arthritis symptoms and aids in better management of the pain and stiffness.

Better health correlates with greater quality and interest in sex for the elderly.

A University of Chicago study has revealed that middle-aged and older men and women who perceive themselves to be in very good health are significantly more likely to have a greater interest in sexual activity, as well as having more satisfying sexual experiences.

Men seem to lose more years of sexual activity than women as a result of poor health. In fact, men’s physical health problems are the most commonly cited reason by both sexes for sexual inactivity in later life.

PositiveTip: Choosing a healthy, balanced lifestyle not only enhances sexual relationships in marriage during the later years, it also extends the overall quantity and quality of life.