Stay Fit, Live Longer
Even light exercise can prolong your life. In a study of almost 4,400 healthy middle aged and older adults findings indicate moderately fit people live longer than their more sedentary peers.
It’s not necessary to live at the gym to enjoy the benefits of fitness. A half hour of light exercise 5 or more times per week can double your chances of survival.
In the study people were divided into groups based on fitness levels. In the least fit group 1 in 4 people died during the study period. In the second least fit 1 in 8 died while in the most fit group 16 out of 17 continued living.
The five groups reported similar exercise habits during their adult lives but their recent activity levels differed greatly.
Researchers reported “Reduced physical activity patterns rather than differences in clinical characteristics contribute to the striking difference in mortality rates between the least-fit and the next-least-fit quintile of fitness in healthy individuals.”
Dr Sandra Mandic, lead researcher added, “Since it is recent physical activity that offers protection…. it is important to maintain regular physical activity throughout life.”
How fit you were 10 to 15 years ago doesn’t matter, it’s the amount of exercise you get now that makes the difference.
Small changes to your lifestyle can have significant impact. Park your car a little farther from the store when you shop. Take the dog on longer walks. These small steps add up, as you get more fit add more activities. Buy a bicycle and go on short rides at first. Go on nature walks or take up hiking. The more you do the more you will be able to do.
Everyone wants a long life, but what good is it if you can’t do anything? Stay fit, stay active, and stay alive.