Author: Qwen Ai Source: chat.qwen.ai
During the study, researchers tracked participants’ physical activity levels, daily habits and health status, writes Science daily. It turned out that older people who regularly ride bicycles are significantly less likely to need long-term care and have a lower risk of premature death compared to their less active peers.
The positive effect was particularly pronounced among those participants who do not use a car. In their case, the bicycle fulfills several functions at once: it not only provides moderate physical activity, but also helps to maintain social engagement, allowing them to remain mobile and independent in their daily lives.
Interestingly, the benefits were observed even in those who started cycling at an older age or returned to it after a long break. These participants showed better survival rates and overall health compared to those with sedentary lifestyles.
The study authors emphasize that long-term maintenance of the cycling habit is directly related to the ability to remain independent in the home for longer. They therefore call for the development of infrastructure that is convenient and safe for older cyclists. In their opinion, such measures can not only improve the quality of life of the older generation, but also reduce the burden on the health care system by increasing active longevity.
