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A recent study by Griffith University researchers reveals that regular physical activity could significantly boost life expectancy, with individuals over 40 potentially gaining up to five additional years of life if they follow the activity levels of the top 25 percent of the population. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating more movement into daily routines and suggest that updated national physical activity guidelines are crucial for promoting longevity.
While the health benefits of physical activity have long been known, this study offers a clearer picture of how much of a difference it can make. By using accelerometry to track physical activity rather than relying on survey responses, the researchers found that the benefits of exercise were much stronger than previous estimates suggested.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, demonstrates that the most active quarter of the population had a 73 percent lower risk of death compared to the least active group. For those in the least active category, even a modest increase in physical activity, such as a single one-hour walk, could add an estimated six hours to one’s life.
Professor Lennert Veerman, lead author of the study, emphasized that those who are already very active have already reaped the maximum benefits of exercise. However, for individuals in the least active group, increasing their activity to the level of the top 25 percent could result in an average of 11 more years of life expectancy. This could be achieved by engaging in the equivalent of about three hours of walking per day, a goal that is attainable for a quarter of the population who already maintain such activity levels.
The study also draws comparisons between low levels of physical activity and the negative effects of smoking, noting that inactivity can be as detrimental as smoking, with each cigarette potentially shortening life by 11 minutes. The researchers suggest that the benefits of physical activity extend beyond longevity, helping to protect against heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and other chronic illnesses.
Dr. Veerman stressed that physical activity’s potential to reduce mortality rates has been vastly underestimated. “If there’s something you could do to more than halve your risk of death, physical activity is enormously powerful,” he said.
The study’s findings advocate for increased investment in promoting physical activity. Dr. Veerman suggests that creating environments conducive to walking and cycling, as well as offering accessible public transportation, could not only improve public health but also ease the burden on healthcare systems and the environment.
With national physical activity guidelines expected to be reviewed, these new findings could play a crucial role in shaping future recommendations aimed at improving public health and extending life expectancy.
Reference: “Physical activity and life expectancy: a life-table analysis” by Lennert Veerman, Jakob Tarp, Ruth Wijaya, Mary Njeri Wanjau, Holger Möller, Fiona Haigh, Peta Lucas, and Andrew Milat, British Journal of Sports Medicine, November 14, 2024.
