The age old adage “use it or lose it” now has scientific backing, specifically for elderly populations. A new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, has added its findings to a growing body of work that suggests that moderate levels of exercise over the course of many years can help preserve mobility in those who are 70 years old or older.

“The key issue is that we did not have until now definitive evidence where physical activity could prevent a major outcome such as (loss of) mobility in adults,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Marco Pahor, director of the Institute of Aging out of the University of Florida in Gainesville.

The study was conducted using 1,635 men and women, whose ages ranged from 70 to 89 years at the start of the study. Roughly half of these individuals were placed into an exercise program that was highly structured to incorporate strength, balance and flexibility training. The other half were placed in an educational group geared towards health education for elderly age groups. In order to participate, each person had to be capable of walking unassisted for a quarter of a mile.

Mobility was measured throughout the study by quarter mile walking tests performed twice a year. Those who were unable to complete two consecutive walks without assistance were deemed to have lasting loss of mobility.

After two and a half years 30 percent of those in the exercise group were unable to finish the walk. 36 percent of the educational group were also unable to complete the quarter mile unaided. However, only 15 percent of the exercise group and 20 percent of the educational group were found to have lasting loss of mobility.

Mobility is seen as an important measure of quality of life among older populations. The loss of it is often accompanied by greater rates of disability, health complications and mortality.

Researchers suggest that reimbursement programs are implemented to help offset the costs of maintaining mobility through exercise programs. They also recommend that each person individualizes their routines with their doctors to ensure the safest, most effective approach for their specific needs.