Many specialists have shared their conclusions about how cable television and the Internet have kept countless Americans on their behinds for longer periods of time. At the same time, scientists have been discovering more about how staying active can ward off a range of illnesses as people age.

There are fewer excuses for seniors to let their bodies run their course without exercise. Exercise has been linked to reduced risk for ailments such as prostate cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke.

With one out of six men confronting prostate cancer at some point in life, the Prostate Cancer Foundation recently released a “Nutrition, Exercise and Prostate Cancer” guide, a series of strategies that help stem the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Visit www.pcf.org to order or download a free copy of the guide. The key is to combine exercise with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed sugars and refined carbohydrates.

A new study from Dr. Stephen Freedland at Duke and the Durham Veterans Affairs Hospital also underscores the impact regular exercise has in protecting men from prostate cancer while making the disease less aggressive.

A combination of diet and exercise looks to be a strong preemptive step against many ailments.

With breast cancer a daunting disease among women, healthy options have been linked exercise and nutrition. With as little as four hours of exercise a week and a low-fat diet, the risk of breast cancer can be lessened. Abstaining from drinking alcohol has also been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer.

There are plenty of ailments that plague older men and women that can be helped by exercise. Among them is osteoporosis, which affects the bone density of people as they age. By focusing on exercises that have a direct impact on the skeleton, the symptoms of osteoporosis can be avoided.

New research also shows it’s never too late for seniors to become active. Even those with type 2 diabetes can turn things around with an exercise regimen. It’s known that exercise can help strengthen arteries and potentially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Before starting a diet or exercise program, seniors should consult their doctors. A series of simple lifestyle changes can help extend a body’s warranty, making a world of difference in the golden years.

This story is provided by State Point Media.