Seniors Who Exercise Reduce Risk Of Hospitalization

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Sometimes I feel like I am repeating myself over and over when it comes to certain areas in health care and when it comes to exercise I know I am guilty of this but the truth of the matter is that regular exercise is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to our health.

The latest report in the medical journals is that exercise could reduce the risk of hospitalizations.

Older adults who have low muscle density are at higher risk of being hospitalized. The researchers reporting in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found the risk for hospitalizations was 50% higher for those with less dense muscle mass.

They looked at over 3,000 non-disabled adults between the ages of 70 and 80 for about five years each. It makes an additional point. The need for exercise doesn't stop as we get older.