What to Know About Cycling as an Older Adult
Discusses how cycling can improve heart health, reduce blood pressure, and improve cardiorespiratory health for seniors, among other benefits.
Cycling Health Library
Our collection of resources on the health benefits of cycling, active aging, and wellness. We believe in the bicycle as a medical device!
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Cardiovascular Health
Cycling for Older Adults: Benefits, Safety, and More
Covers a range of health benefits including improved joint mobility and cardiovascular health.
Bone & Joint Health
Cycling and Osteoporosis: How to Improve Your Bone Density
An important perspective explaining why cycling alone isn't a weight-bearing exercise for bones and how to supplement for bone health.
The Effects of Cycling on Bone Health in Senior Athletes
Research exploring bone health in senior athletes, including cyclists, and how any exercise is better than none for bone health.
Bicycling over a Lifetime Is Associated with Less Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
A study published in the journal "Arthritis & Rheumatology" that suggests consistent bicycling throughout adulthood is associated with a lower risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, highlighting cycling's long-term benefits for joint health.
Mental Well-being
Pedaling Towards Wellness: Exploring Psychological Well-Being and Experiences of Senior Citizen Cyclists
A research paper discussing how cycling can be a source of empowerment, enjoyment, and improved self-esteem for older adults.
Cycling for Older Adults: Benefits, Safety, and More
Highlights how cycling can reduce feelings of isolation and promote social interaction, leading to greater happiness and quality of life.
Body Composition
Tips for Cycling When You're Older
Discusses how cycling, as an endurance exercise, can help prevent conditions like diabetes and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.
What to Know About Cycling as an Older Adult
Mentions that cycling can reduce body fat and mass, which are important aspects of weight management.
Mobility & Balance
Physical Activity, Balance, and Bicycling in Older Adults
Objective research suggesting that older adults who ride a bicycle tend to have better balance and how cycling may be an intervention to prevent falls.
Cycling Can Make Older Adults Healthier and More Independent
A Boston University article stating that cycling for at least one hour per week significantly improved older people's balance, potentially making them less vulnerable to falls.
Longevity & Healthy Aging
Active Travel Mode and Incident Dementia and Brain Structure
A landmark study of nearly 480,000 UK participants followed for over 13 years showing that cycling reduces dementia risk by 19% and Alzheimer's disease risk by 22% compared to non-active transportation . The research also found that cycling correlated with larger hippocampal volumes on brain imaging , suggesting that promoting active travel modes, particularly cycling, may be associated with better brain health and lower dementia risk throughout the aging process.
How Cycling Can Help You Live Longer: The Anti-Aging Benefits
Explores how regular cycling can add years to life expectancy by preserving muscle mass, boosting the immune system, and improving cardiovascular health. Detailed analysis of the anti-aging mechanisms activated by cycling.
Cycling and Longevity in Older Adults: A Public Health Perspective from Japan
Highlights Japan's example of widespread cycling among older adults as a non-pharmacological strategy for aging well, impacting mobility, community ties, and autonomy. Examines the societal benefits of cycling infrastructure for longevity.
Cycling May Help Slow the Aging Process
Research showing that cyclists who maintain high levels of physical activity throughout their lives have the immunity, muscle mass, and cholesterol levels of people decades younger. Study focuses on telomere protection and cellular aging.
Safety
Bicycle Safety: Bike Safety Tips for Kids and Adults | NHTSA
Comprehensive safety advice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, covering helmets, bike fit, and defensive riding techniques for cyclists of all ages, with special considerations for older adults.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Older Adults
AARP's comprehensive guide to cycling safety for older adults, addressing age-related considerations like vision changes, reaction time, and balance. Includes practical tips for staying safe while maintaining an active cycling lifestyle.
Nutrition for Cyclists
6 Essential Nutrients for Athletes 50 and Up
Key insights on optimizing macronutrient intake (protein, carbs, fats) for older adults who are active, including cyclists. Covers the essential nutrients needed to maintain performance, recovery, and health as we age, with specific recommendations for active adults over 50.
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