Older people can boost their health by doing short bursts of intense exercise

Pensioners can dramatically improve their health by doing one minute of intense exercise just twice a week, according to a new study.

Research carried out by Abertay University in Scotland found that in just six weeks of doing these short bursts of exercise, older people’s blood pressure dropped and their physical fitness improved.

The intense exercise included six-second sprints on an exercise bike. Dr John Babraj said the study revealed that doing short bursts of exercise also changed older people’s “perceptions on their own ability to engage in physical activity”.

He added that high-intensity training can make a real difference to people’s health and their quality of life, saying you don’t have to run as fast as Usain Bolt but “as long as you are putting in your maximal effort” you will improve your health.

This is thought to be the first time the benefits of high-intensity exercise have been tested on older people.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

At Abertay, sport and exercise scientists are particularly interested in the area of active ageing.

Dr James Cobley believes research into this area is so important as “everyone knows that, as we get older, it becomes more difficult to perform everyday tasks, like walking home from the shops or simply getting up out of a chair.

“This is because our muscles get smaller and weaker as we age. Unfortunately, poor muscle function is associated with increased disease risk, hospitalisation and institutionalisation in the elderly, so it’s a major health concern.

“What we’re trying to find out here at Abertay is whether there is anything we can do to mitigate the effects of ageing so that people can live happier, healthier lives.”

Older people should consult their doctor before starting high-intensity training incase there are any underlying health problems.