Scientists have found a "significant link" between regular exercise and improved physical health for women later in life.
The study from the Charles Perkins Centre and the University of Sydney's School of Public Health collected data from over 11,000 Australian women in three-year intervals, starting in 1996.
The study found women who consistently hit the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, over a 15-year period, scored three points higher on the physical health composite (PSC) score and the mental health composite score (MSC) compared to those who didn't.
Those who did meet the recommended amount of exercise scored as high as a 46.93 PSC, while those who didn't scored a 43.90 PSC.
Participants were aged between 47 and 52 when the study began.
"Our study shows that it's important for women to be active throughout mid-age to gain the most benefits for physical health in later life," lead author Dr Binh Nguyen said.
"Ideally, women should increase their activity levels to meet the guidelines by age 55."
The study found the positive effect of physical activity was significant, even after socioeconomic factors and pre-existing health conditions were taken into account.
"Even if women start to meet physical activity guidelines in their mid-50s, (it) could have important health benefits in terms of physical health, especially in physical functioning.
"Overall, the findings from this study highlight the importance of being physically active for as long as possible to gain the most benefits for quality of life, especially in relation to physical health."
The PSC and MSC scores are determined with the Short Form 36 Health Survey, which asks questions about functional health and well-being.
