Lihan Lima of DOT
[2] Household chores might seem a drag, but researchers have suggested tasks like Ironing, washing up and vacuuming can help over-65s improve their physical and mental strength… and could even protect against falls. [3]Writing in the journal BMJ Open, a Singapore-based team of researchers said regular physical activity “improves physical and mental health, mitigates the risks and effects of chronic diseases, and reduces falls, immobility, dependency and mortality among older adults”
[4] Nearly 500 participants, aged between 21 and 90, were quizzed about the frequency of chores and other types of physical activity and given a ‘housework intensity’ score. The team found cognitive scores and attention scores were 8% and 14% higher respectively for adults, which did high amount of heavy housework compared to low levels.
[5]Gill Livingston, professor of psychiatry of older people at University College London, who was not involved in the work, said the study was interesting but had little meaning as people who are not so well may be expected to do less housework. “I think the advice would be that housework can be good exercise, which is good for your heart and brain,” she said.
Source: Daily Mail, The Guardian.