Scientists from Tsukuba University in Japan have determined that regular cycling positively affects the health of elderly individuals and increases their likelihood of living longer. The research findings were published in the journal Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour.
The researchers studied data on the health and lifestyle of Japanese seniors over a period of 10 years. It was found that seniors who cycled more at the beginning of the observation period experienced fewer serious illnesses in the following years and had less need for long-term medical care. Importantly, this trend was observed not only in those who had been cycling for many years but also in those who started cycling later.
The best results in the study were shown by elderly individuals who did not have the right to drive vehicles. According to the scientists, for these individuals, cycling has become an important part of their lifestyle and daily activities. It was found that the significance of cycling is particularly high for them.
Moreover, experts emphasize that the benefits of cycling extend beyond just physical exercise. Regular cycling positively impacts the mental state, mood, and ability to maintain an independent lifestyle among the elderly. Therefore, the scientists call for the creation of necessary infrastructure and the implementation of social projects to make cycling safer and more convenient for older individuals. This will not only improve the quality of life for seniors but also help them live longer.
