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Even Light Activity May Prevent Harsher Strokes

Study finds that victims who are inactive are twice as likely to suffer more long-lasting effects

Ariel Skelley/Getty Images by as much as half, a study has found. Researchers studied the records of more than 900 stroke patients whose average age was 73. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Published in , the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the study revealed that among the patients who had been inactive before their stroke, their chances of a moderate or severe stroke, as opposed to a mild stroke, were twice that of the patients classified as active. (Active patients had done either four or more hours a week of light physical activity, like , or two to three hours of moderate activity, like swimming or running.) Mild strokes do not cause permanent brain damage or brain tissue death, whereas the effects of moderate or severe strokes are more long-lasting. For expert tips to help feel your best, . With moderate or severe strokes a significant contributor to chronic disability, especially among older people, the findings are key to long-term prevention policy. “While exercise benefits health in many ways, our research suggests that even simply getting in a small amount of physical activity . . . may have a big impact later,”study coauthor Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen, M.D., of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden said in a press release. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS