Recent Blog Articles

Drug recalls are common

Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods

Prostate cancer in transgender women

Why eat lower on the seafood chain?

Can long COVID affect the gut?

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights

Slowing down racing thoughts

Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness
Staying Healthy
How much exercise does it take to avoid heart problems in your 70s?
- By Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
News briefs
Any amount of exercise is better than none. But at least 20 minutes of daily physical activity could be the sweet spot for avoiding cardiovascular problems in your 70s, according to an observational study from Italy, published online Feb. 14, 2022, by the journal Heart. The study included almost 2,800 people ages 65 or older who were followed for more than 20 years. People who got between 20 and 40 minutes per day of moderate-intensity activity (such as brisk walking) or vigorous-intensity activity (such as gardening, working out in a gym, biking, dancing, or swimming) had fewer heart attacks and cardiovascular problems and a lower risk of premature death, compared with people who weren’t physically active. And among men, at least 20 minutes of daily exercise was associated with a 52% lower risk of cardiovascular problems, compared with people who didn’t exercise. The greatest benefits were seen among men ages 70 to 75. Because the study is observational, it doesn’t prove conclusively that exercise prevents heart disease. However, many studies have shown that moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise helps protect your heart and brain; helps prevent diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases; and reduces the risk for premature death.
Image: © shurkin_son/Getty Images
About the Author

Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…

Cardio Exercise
This Special Health Report will help you find the perfect cardio routine—whether you are just beginning, need to freshen up a routine, or are ready to take your cardio workouts to the next level. For beginners or people with conditions that limit their mobility, there are three options to start with: a Basic Cardio, Beginner's Walking, and a Pool Workout. If you’re looking to add some variety to an existing cardio routine, try our Cardio Dance or Kickboxing Workout. If you’ve been doing cardio exercise and want to challenge yourself, try our Interval Walking Workout or Step Workout. When you’re ready to move on, a Special Section will help you design your own program. No matter what form of cardio you do, you’ll be healthier.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!