Want to live an extra 5 to 10 years? Adopt this habit, study suggests

In today's fast-paced world, finding ways to incorporate more movement into daily routines can often be overlooked. Prioritizing physical activity might be more important than previously thought — being as active as the top 25% of the U.S. population could potentially add at least five years to one's life. Current research indicates that the loss of life years due to low physical activity in the U.S. could be comparable to the impact of smoking and high blood pressure.

Studies have highlighted the link between physical activity and longevity, with earlier research showing reduced risks of premature death associated with increased physical activity tracked by accelerometers. This new investigation aimed to explore how physical activity levels relate to life expectancy. Using data from hip accelerometers worn by adults over 40, researchers projected the impact of activity levels on life expectancy.

Findings suggest significant benefits from increased activity: less active individuals losing 5.8 years of life expectancy compared to their more active counterparts. Life expectancy could increase by 5.3 years if individuals over 40 matched the activity levels of the top quartile. An additional 111 minutes of daily activity for the least active could extend their lifespan by up to 11 years.

The research underscores the critical importance of physical activity in health outcomes and longevity, though it acknowledges its theoretical nature based on past data. While physical activity has improved since mid-2000s data was collected, adherence to activity guidelines remains crucial. Physical inactivity is linked to several diseases, but being active helps reduce these risks.

Adopting movement throughout the day doesn't necessarily mean formal exercise. Everyday activities can contribute to daily movement, such as parking further from destinations, walking while catching up with friends, or even using standing desks. Regular movement is essential, but it's also important to avoid excessive activity. Improving pedestrian infrastructure could help increase activity levels and potentially alleviate unsustainable healthcare expenditures. Reducing car dependence requires collective effort and long-term planning, with advocates playing a key role in driving this change.