Women Pay for Longer Life Span

Women do have a longer life expectancy, yet the quality of life is diminished by a greater prevalence of disability in old age compared to men.

"We focused on a socioeconomic position factor such as educational level and health factors such as limitations to daily activity. By studying this relationship we were able to see the social inequalities in dependency", Albert Espelt, lead author of the study and a researcher at the Public Health Agency of Barcelona, said.

No Cognitive Impairment in Old Age With Physical Activity in Early Years
Women who were physically active in their early years have a very low risk of cognitive impairment in their old age compared to those who had been inactive, concludes a recent study.

The study is based on the health surveys that have been carried out in Barcelona by the Public Health Agency since 1982.

"These are representative of the non-institutionalised population living in Barcelona", the expert said.

In total, the team interviewed 4,244 people aged above 64 (893 in 1992, 2,140 in 2000 and 1,211 in 2006).

Exercising for Few Minutes a Day Could Help Inactive Obese Women
Just a few minutes of exercise every day could help improve fitness and health of women who are inactive and overweight, US scientists say.

We saw differences in limitations according to socioeconomic position, which remained steady over the course of time", the expert pointed out.

The prevalence of disability in people aged over 64 increased among women in Catalonia between 1992 and 2006, but not among men, due to the increase in female life expectancy. The prevalence of disability in 2006 was 30 percent among men and 53 percent in women. In other words, it increases among the most elderly women.

Women More Enthusiastic at the Workplace Than Men: UK Study
A UK study has found that men are less enthusiastic about work than women until retirement time comes, when they are seen bouncing back with renewed interest in their jobs.

"The double burden of work that women experience throughout their lives (domestic work and work outside the home) is a key factor in explaining this difference in different studies", says Espelt.

Domestic work is less rewarding than working outside the home, and leads to a greater prevalence of non-fatal diseases such as musculoskeletal problems and depression.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle During Adulthood may Delay Old Age Disability
According to researchers maintaining a healthy body weight throughout adulthood may help prevent or delay the onset of physical disability as we age.

The study has been published in the latest issue of the Journal of Women's Health.

Source-ANI