Studies show: Cycling improves health in old age, but also harbours risks

Regular cycling can make a significant contribution to the health and quality of life of older people. This is the conclusion of a systematic review published in the Journal of Transport & Health. The research team led by Sergio A. Useche from the Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS) at the University of Valencia analysed 28 studies that looked at the health-related effects of cycling in adults aged 65 and over. The results show consistent associations between cycling and improved indicators of physical and mental health. HealthHowever, they also point to important risk factors and barriers that need to be taken into account.

The study is particularly relevant against the backdrop of demographic change. "Population ageing is changing health and mobility systems worldwide. Europe is expected to remain the most ageing region, with around a third of its population aged 60 and over by mid-century," the researchers write in their introduction. In this context, mobility is gaining importance as a crucial dimension through which quality of life is linked to opportunities for routine activity, social contact and independent decision-making.

Cycling brings health benefits

The review identified numerous positive effects of cycling on the physical health of older people. Corresponding correlations were documented in 16 of the 28 studies analysed. Particularly noteworthy are improvements in mobility, balance and leg strength as well as favourable effects on cardiovascular and metabolic markers. The researchers report that older people who cycle regularly perform better in balance and leg strength tests than non-cyclists. The results suggest that cycling can make a significant contribution to metabolic health in older people even when it is performed as an everyday mode of transport rather than as structured exercise.

Psychological and social benefits

In addition to the physical benefits, eleven of the included studies investigated the effects of cycling on the mental health of older people. The results show that regular cycling is associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of life satisfaction. These positive effects were observed for both commuting and leisure activities, suggesting that the benefits result not only from the physical activity itself, but also from the autonomy and pleasure that cycling provides.

Furthermore, cycling appears to promote social connectedness and participation. Studies by Zander et al. (2013) and Van Dyck et al. (2015) described how cycling provides opportunities for social engagement, whether through group rides, community activities or greater interaction in public spaces.

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Risks of cycling in old age

Despite the numerous benefits, the review also identified specific risks and vulnerabilities associated with cycling in older age. Eight of the included studies focussed on these aspects. The researchers found that although older cyclists tend to exhibit less risky behaviour than younger age groups, they remain disproportionately at risk due to age-related physical factors and external conditions such as infrastructure, traffic environment and pollution.

"Crash and injury-related studies consistently indicated increased risks in older populations. Analyses of trauma databases showed that older cyclists involved in crashes sustained more severe injuries, including pelvic fractures, spinal trauma and intracranial haemorrhage, and had longer rehabilitation times compared to younger cohorts," the authors report.

Practical implications for cycling

The results of the review have important practical implications for policy and practice. The promotion of cycling in older age should be accompanied by measures that minimise the vulnerabilities highlighted in the study. Infrastructure plays a key role here: separate cycle lanes, reduced traffic speeds in mixed environments and age-friendly design features such as smoother surfaces or accessible crossings can reduce both perceived and actual risks.

"From a policy perspective, the results of this review suggest that transport and health policies would benefit from greater integration of cycling into broader frameworks for active ageing," the researchers write in their conclusions. Most of the studies reviewed showed a clear bias in favour of healthier and higher income groups, which leaves questions about accessibility for older people in rural areas, with lower socioeconomic status or with chronic health conditions.

The main conclusion of the study is that cycling can make a significant contribution to healthy ageing, but only if appropriate conditions are created for older adults. "The main practical implication is the need to address infrastructural, safety and social barriers. Only by removing these barriers can cycling be transformed from a leisure activity into a significant contributor to the physical and psychosocial well-being of older people," the authors emphasise.

Link to the Study