A new study highlights the benefits of exercise to the health status of these older female caregivers. Overall, the women in the study who participated in an exercise program slept better and lowered their blood pressure significantly.

The participants in the study were women ages 49 through 83 who cared for impaired relatives for an extended period of time, the average being four years. All either lived with the relative or spent a significant amount of time with them. In this study, conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine, half of the women in the study participated in an aerobic exercise program of 30 - 40 min at least four days weekly. Brisk walking was the most popular aerobic activity. The other half received nutritional counseling that discussed proper nutrition and diet plans. All participants were provided with feedback and follow-up for the duration of the study.

At the end of the study, the exercise group showed significant improvements in stress-induced blood pressure levels and sleep quality compared to the women who received nutrition counseling. Exercisers spent five hours a week in physical activity by the study's end compared to the nutrition group who spent less than 3 hours per week in all forms of physical activity.

"This is a an important study given that many U.S. households eventually will provide care to ill or disabled relatives," said Dr. Sidney M. Stahl, Chief of Behavioral Medicine within the NIA's Behavioral and Social Research Program. "Studies show that family caregiving accompanied by emotional strain is an independent risk factor for mortality among older adults. The study gives us some evidence that a self-directed exercise program can reduce stress reactions and perhaps improve the health of caregivers. This pilot intervention trial provides encouraging results and hope for a low-cost, effective means to combat caregiver stress."