Effects of a high-complex-carbohydrate, low-fat diet and daily exercise on individuals 70 years of age and older.

Data were obtained from 70 individuals (M age = 78.7, SE = 4.1 years) who attended the Pritikin Longevity Center's 26-day residential program where they were exposed to a high-complex-carbohydrate, low-fat diet, and daily exercise. During the 26-day program, serum cholesterol was reduced from 222 (SE = 5) to 179 (SE = 5) mg/dl, and triglycerides were reduced from 156 (SE = 10) to 141 (SE = 7) mg/dl. Body weight was reduced an average of 2.2 kg. Treadmill performance increased from 3.7 (SE = .1) to 5.5 (SE = .2) METs. During the final week of the program, average daily walking was 5.1 (SE = .3) km. Forty-six hypertensive patients reduced their pressure from 154/80 to 150/77 mmHg, with 9 of 18 patients discontinuing their antihypertensive medication. Thirteen type II diabetic patients reduced their fasting serum glucose from 164 (SE = 4) to 120 (SE = 2) mg/dl.