Most studies showing the positive effects of physical activity have been done with men. The few studies that have included women have indicated that women may benefit even more than men from being physically fit. Early indications show the reduced rates of death by heart disease are higher for women who are physically fit than for men.
Women who do not exercise regularly have twice the chance of dying from heart disease than women who do exercise, just as women who smoke double their chances of dying from heart disease than women who don't smoke. Women may live longer than men, but they don't necessarily live better. Elderly women who have not been physically active experience more disability in their daily function than women who have been active.