A new study reveals that inactivity is robbing Americans of years of their lives. Researchers found that even moderate increases in physical activity, like walking, could significantly boost longevity. By simply being more active, people over 40 could add over five years to their lifespan, highlighting the profound impact of exercise on overall health and lifespan.
Exercise often takes a backseat amidst the busy lifestyle in the modern day. Though there are fitness enthusiasts who seldom miss a day in the gym, most Americans tend to skip physical activity. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only 26% of men, 19% of women, and 20% of adolescents meet the aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines.
If you are among the ones not even sticking to the minimum exercise recommendations of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week you are not treating your body well.
According to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, physical activity has a lot to do with longevity and health span.
For the study, the researchers analyzed the 2017 mortality data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. The researcher examined how much physical activity reduced or increased life expectancy, based on the data of over 36,000 Americans aged 40 and older. Researchers tracked participants’ activity levels using data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They divided activity levels into four categories to evaluate the impact of exercise on longevity. The four categories are: Least active individuals (equivalent to 50 minutes of walking per day), 80 minutes of daily walking, 110 minutes of daily walking, and 160 minutes (3 hours) per day.
The results from the study were striking. Lead author Lennert Veerman, Professor of Public Health at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, wrote, The “enormous amount of life expectancy that inactive people can gain.”
The study discovered that if all the people were as active as the top 25% of the research population, people over 40 could get an extra 5.3 years on average, which would raise the life expectancy to 84 years. Similarly, if the least active people increased their exercise to the most active people, the gain is 11 years of life or more!
Physical activity is linked with many health benefits along with the life expectancy.
The U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans notes that “Physical activity is key to improving the health of the nation. Based on the latest science, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is a flagship resource for health professionals and policymakers that provides recommendations on how everyone can improve their health through regular physical activity. Learn ways to help people understand the benefits of physical activity and how to make it a part of their regular routine.”
Some lifestyle changes could make you healthier, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, opting for public transit, so you walk to the stations, and taking short walks in between the days. In short, move as much as possible.
How walking can boost longevity
Walking offers a range of health benefits that improve holistic health. By warding off chronic diseases, this simple habit can add years to your life.
Heart health
Regular walking can boost heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. Walking is known to make the heart muscles stronger and decrease the risk of death from cardiovascular events.
Prevents diabetes and cancer
Walking for 30 minutes every day can help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions. It can keep blood sugar in control and prevent risk of diabetes and certain types of cancers.
Walking keeps you happy and stress-free
Some movements can enhance mental well-being. This exercise can lower stress levels, and improve mood, which are crucial for overall longevity.
Muscle and joint health
The low-impact exercise keeps muscles strong and joints flexible, supporting mobility and balance as we age, ultimately leading to a longer and healthier life. Even moderate daily walks can make a significant difference.
(Pic courtesy: Pexels)
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
