New York, Aug 28 (IANS): Daily exercise and a healthy food regime helps minimise bone and joint health decline.

According to new research on senior elite athletes, being physically active may significantly improve musculo-skeletal and overall health and delay the effects of ageing.

"A lot of the deterioration we see with ageing can be attributed to a more sedentary lifestyle instead of ageing itself," said lead study author and orthopaedic surgeon Bryan G. Vopat.

The positive effects of physical activity on maintaining bone density, muscle mass, ligament, tendon function and cartilage volume are keys to optimal physical function and health.

"Prolonged, intense resistance training can increase muscle strength, lean muscle and bone mass more consistently than aerobic exercise alone," Vopat observed.

Sustained and at least moderately intensive aerobic training promotes heart health, increases oxygen consumption, and has been linked to other musculo-skeletal benefits.

Flexibility exercises, too, are strongly recommended for active older adults to optimise performance and limit injury.

The study also recommended proper nutrition for older, active adults to achieve the above objective.

The research appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS).