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Diverse Exercise Boosts Longevity, Study Finds
21 Jan
Summary
- Exercising a variety of activities cuts all-cause death risk by 19%.
- Study tracked over 111,000 people for more than three decades.
- Any exercise helps, but varied routines offer distinct longevity benefits.
New research indicates that regularly participating in a wide array of physical activities, such as walking, running, and cycling, is strongly associated with a longer lifespan. The study found that individuals engaging in the broadest range of exercises experienced a 19% reduction in the risk of death from any cause.
Published in BMJ Medicine, the comprehensive analysis tracked over 111,000 people for more than three decades. Participants consistently reported their engagement in various exercises, including walking, cycling, swimming, and tennis. The findings underscore that while any physical activity contributes to lower death rates, diversifying one's routine offers significant advantages for longevity.
The research suggests that promoting engagement in diverse physical activities, alongside increasing overall activity, can reduce the risk of premature death. For instance, walking alone was associated with a 17% lower risk of death. Researchers noted potential thresholds for beneficial effects, where increased activity beyond a certain point did not yield further reductions in mortality risk.
