How to Live Longer…and Better
Every January 1st, thousands and thousands of people resolve to….
- lose weight,
- get fit,
- and become uber-healthy
By February 1st, almost all of those people are sprawled on the couch eating Cheetos and watching Dancing With The Stars.
Maybe if they knew that:
- Adults who perform at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week live longer than those who don’t.
In this study, researchers “used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the National Health Interview Study mortality linkage, and U.S. Life Tables 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”.
They 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.
This benefit crossed racial barriers as well – with the “biggest benefit from physical activity seen in non-Hispanic black women, who gained as many as 5.5 potential years of life”.
A second study, published in PLOS, found that…
- 75 minutes of brisk walking per week was associated with a gain of 1.8 years
- Higher levels of physical activity (equivalent to 450 min of brisk walking per week) resulted in a gain of 4.5 years.
Unfortunately for those of us trying to sell the benefits of exercise to our loved ones, neither of these studies looking at quality of life.
If I was a betting man, I would bet that not only do the “exercisers” live longer, they live better…with more energy, less aches & pains, better state of mind, etc…
[box type="important"]If someone you love needs a little push to get more active, email them the link to this article.[/box]
Reference
Brit
December 19, 2012 at 6:21 pm
I’ve seen all the studies you post, but that didn’t prevent me from gaining back the weight I lost a few years ago.
healthhabits
December 20, 2012 at 11:50 am
All of these studies should be looked at with a skeptical eye…even if they are 100% accurate, how you incorporate them into all the complexities of your life is the most important part of the weight-loss puzzle. The best diet/supplement/training routine is useless if it isn’t followed. And even if you follow these “perfect” plans, your individual endocrinology, brain chemicals, habits, lifestyle, etc…play a huge role.
For some people, simple answers work. For others, it’s a constant state of test/observe/re-test until something works for you
This is what I do everyday for my clients…constantly tweaking and testing and scolding and cajoling and bribing…..
alexeli
December 21, 2012 at 3:56 am
I have seen these studies many times in the past. I just can’t believe stuff like that.
healthhabits
December 21, 2012 at 8:09 am
I don’t blame you…these studies usually have a very specific set of parameters…and real life ain’t specific…it has a bazillion interconnections and is messy as hell. Best to be skeptical..like a scientist
Kamran
January 1, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Hi!
Nice article, well all health articles are good for knowledge purpose. But then again they do play a role smaller or bigger in making u realize the excersize and proper diet is really needed.
What i would suggest is if we incoporate 2 basic qualities in our life we would be successful in all fields! Health and ur everyday work life. Those 2 charecteristic qualities are ‘FAITH’ and ‘DECIPLONE’!
Have faith in what you do! And do itnwith Decipline!
Cheers!
Wayne
January 2, 2013 at 4:10 pm
I always see and hear about studies about this but its always for the younger individule. Would like to see some on people over 50. Seems like once you reach the age of over 40 they are forgotten. What happen to the saying that the 50′s are now the 30′s. Why hasn’t someone put out a video for the let’s say 40 plus. My weight is good I’m very healthy but everytime I look for something that’s in my age there is nothing.