ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov 05, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- U.S. researchers said people in their 50s and 60s must become more physically active -- in particular if they already have health problems.

University of Michigan researchers surveyed 9,611 older adults and found that those who were regularly active in their 50s and early 60s were about 35 percent less likely to die in the next eight years than those who were sedentary. Those who had a high heart-disease risk because of several underlying conditions showed a reduction of 45 percent.

The health improvement was seen even among those who walked, gardened, or went dancing a few times a week, as well as those who pursued more vigorous activities. Even those who were obese had a lower risk of dying if they were regularly active, the researchers said.

The findings suggest that efforts to get middle-aged people to exercise should focus on those with risk factors for cardiovascular disease or a prior heart attack or stroke.

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