Is 20 minutes of daily exercise at age 70 the best protection against major heart disease in late old age?

Absolutely! Regular exercise not only helps protect against major heart diseases, but it can also help improve overall physical and mental health in old age. Recent studies have shown that individuals aged 70 and over who engage in 20 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity five days a week had lower rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) than those who did not exercise. Research has also found that engaging in aerobic exercise for just 30 minutes per day, combined with strength training 2 days a week is even more beneficial when it comes to reducing the risk of CHD. This type of exercise routine increases levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good" kind) while decreasing LDL cholesterol (the "bad" kind). Lower LDL levels are key to prevention as well as management of heart disease. Additionally, regular exercise reduces blood pressure and prevents plaque buildup on artery walls which can reduce the risk for stroke or other cardiovascular conditions associated with aging.

So while 20 minutes per day is certainly beneficial, incorporating an overall active lifestyle into your daily routine should be your goal if you want optimum protection against major heart disease in later years.