Exercise Can Extend Your Life by as Much as Five Years

12th December 2012

Adults who include at least 150 minutes of physical activity in their routines each week live longer than those who don’t, finds a new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the National Health Interview Study mortality linkage, and U.S. Life Tables were used to estimate and compare the life expectancy at each age for adults who were inactive, somewhat-active and active. “Active” was defined as doing at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

The study found that men at age 20 were estimated to gain as much as 2.4 years of life from moderate activity. Women at age 20 gained about 3 additional years from engaging in moderate activity. The biggest benefit from physical activity was seen in non-Hispanic black women, who gained as many as 5.5 potential years of life.

The researchers hope the positive message of the study can help relay the importance of exercise.

Janssen I et al. Years of life gained due to leisure-time physical activity in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2013 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.09.056

Categories: Sport & Exercise, Healthy Aging