Impact of physical activity on the association between lipid profiles and mortality among older people

High serum lipid levels are independent predictors of mortality risk in the general population. Recent data suggest that this may not apply in the older populations, and even acts in the opposite direction. In consideration of the frail state, minimum amount of physical activity (60–100 minutes each week) may be more suitable for older individuals but its role in lipid profiles has never been explored. Between 2006 and 2010, we conducted a cohort study of 83,820 participants aged ≥65 years using the Taipei City Elderly Health Examination Database. Participants were classified as inactive, low or high in their level of physical activity. Older individuals with lowest quintile of total cholesterol, non-HDL and HDL were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with other quintile of these lipid profiles. Compared to inactive older individuals, both low (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–0.81) and high active older individuals (aHR 0.55, 95% CI 0.51–0.59) were associated with lower risks of mortality. Physical activity, even minimum volume of exercise, in older people has to be encouraged to reduce the increased risk of mortality from low serum lipid levels.