Even Moderate Exercise Boosts Lifespan
A new study of almost 4,400 Americans has found that staying moderately fit and active may help you live longer.
The study was of healthy adults, also taking into account other health factors such as obesity and diabetes. The researchers found that the 20% with the lowest fitness levels were twice as likely to die within the next nine years, as the 20% with the next-lowest fitness levels.
Research took place between 1986 and 2006, assessing fitness levels with a treadmill test, and following participants for an average of nine years. The study was published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Only 6% of the fittest men and women died during the follow-up period, compared with 25% of the least fit.
The researchers found even those participants whose exercise didn't match up to the minimum recommended levels were still less likely to die.
So, don't feel if you can't make five 30-minute sessions a week that it's not worth exercising. The message here is that even a modest increase in your fitness level can have a significant effect on your lifespan.
And, it's never too late to start. The participants in the study had reported similar levels of activity throughout their lives, but it was their most recent level of fitness which mattered most.
If you're a senior unsure about taking up exercising, you might find Old Dan's Story (on Diet Blog Share) inspiring.
It is never too late to start moving & eating better in my opinion. It can only help... study or not!
ReplyUse it or lose it...
ReplyMy grandma never walked much until she got her hip replaced. Once that was done, she started walking everywhere and she lost a few pounds and felt a LOT better.
ReplyYou know I really subscribe to the idea that every muscle has to be exercised in the body, which is why I'm eventually going to incorporate yoga into my routine. I think our paleolithic ancestors where very active all the time and were climbing rocks and stuff and exercised all their muscles.
ReplyThat's true, but there's a another side to this.
ReplyPhysical activity rises your metabolism. Recent studies have linked high longevity with a low metabolic rate. Strange, isn't it?
I remember a video in Jr. High School where a guy with a large life insurance policy had a heart attack but survived. His life was messed up and he was depressed about it all. He decided to force a heart attack by running (back then the doctors recommended against physical activity for heart patients I think). He wanted his family to get the life insurance money since he could not provide very well sick.
Well the more he worked out - the stronger his heart got and he made a full recovery! I think any exercise counts! It is generally never too late to get some benefit even if all you can do is walk around your house.
ReplyAnd too much exercise shortens life span. It's a fine line to walk if you like doing lots of exercise.
Google "Death By Exercise" by Lou Schuler. Fascinating article.
ReplyIt depends on the quality of life. I'd rather live 75 glorious years then 55 good ones followed by 25 declining, horrible years.
ReplyWe are a group of seniors working out twice a week. We do chairaerobics and even it's an extended belief you must go to a gym to workout, these routines are helping us a lot. The routines give us plenty of activity while in a seated position. We have a lot of energy and we are getting a lot of different benefits from exercise. Thanks
ReplyJust being a little active is a great improvement over being a couch potato! Even if it is just a short walk two or three times a week, you'll be doing just a little bit more for your body, and that's a good thing.
Plus, the little bit of exercise can build a foundation for more exercise. And, exercise doesn't have to be boring. Take a hike. Ride a bike. Go for a swim. If the exercise is fun, you'll do it more often.
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