Research published in the European Heart Journal has found that “people should up their exercise levels once they hit 60 to help cut their risk of heart attack and stroke”

The study followed nearly 120,00 people, and found that people who reduced their exercise levels “were up to 27 per cent more likely to develop heart and blood vessel problems.”

In contrast, people who had been previously inactive, and then started doing more exercises, “reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 11 per cent compared with those who stayed sedentary”.

Of great importance these results were not just true for healthy people, they were also true for people who had chronic health conditions like diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure).

This research supports recent calls for doctors to reduce the over-prescription of medications for these conditions, but instead to start prescribing exercise as a way to combat chronic health problems.

All that is required is 3-4 sessions a week, and can be something as simple as a brisk half hour walk. If you are unsure about what to do, speak to your health care professional.