Being sporty in mid life makes men fitter OAPs

MIDDLE-aged men who play sport are up to five times more likely to keep fit and active into their late seventies than those who don’t, researchers claim.

They said many men changed the type of activity they preferred as they got older, taking up gentler activities such as recreational walking once they hit retirement age.

But those who had played sports such as football, cricket or golf for 25 years or more were likely to still be playing, even if only occasionally, in later life.

Lead author Daniel Aggio, of University College London, said there may be several reasons, adding: ‘People’s enjoyment of sport may be more likely to persist into old age than preferences for other types of activity.

‘Sport in mid-life may help maintain physical function and physical activity self-efficacy in later life, increasing psychological and physical readiness for physical activity in old age.’

Researchers tracked the behaviour of nearly 3,500 men aged 40 to 59, following them up after 12, 16 and 20 years.

The research, published in the online journal BMJ Open, only considered men and may not be applicable to women.

Dr Mike Knapton, of the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘This should encourage everyone to build physical activity into their weekly routines, whether that is through walking, DIY, gardening or sport. By maintaining physical activity throughout your life, chances are that you will enjoy an active retirement.’