Regular Physical Activity Lowers Mortality Risk - Even Beneficial for Late Enthusiasts - Physical Activity through Sports Saves Lives, Beneficial Regardless of Age You Start
A groundbreaking study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has revealed that adopting an active lifestyle at any stage in adulthood can significantly reduce the risk of dying from common diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The research, which pooled data from 85 studies involving millions of participants, highlights the substantial benefits of regular exercise for overall longevity.
The study found that consistently physically active adults have a 30-40% lower risk of death from CVD and a similar reduction in all-cause mortality. This suggests that sustained activity throughout adulthood is highly protective against both heart-related and general deaths[1][2][5].
Even those who engage in less exercise than officially recommended but increase their activity have a 20-25% lower mortality risk. Moreover, people who transition from an inactive lifestyle to regular exercise experience a roughly 22% lower risk of death compared to those who remain inactive[1][2][3].
The benefits in reducing cardiovascular mortality are more pronounced than for cancer mortality, suggesting a particularly strong protective effect of physical activity against heart-related deaths[2][5]. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 75-150 minutes of high-intensity exercise, or a combination of both for adults each week[6]. However, the WHO's recommendations do not specify the exact type or duration of exercise that is most beneficial for reducing mortality risk.
The positive effects of physical activity on mortality risk were particularly high for cardiovascular diseases. The study, led by Ruyi Yu and Gregore Mielke from the School of Public Health at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, concluded that adopting a more active lifestyle at any point in adulthood can extend lifespan[7].
It's important to note that the study did not investigate the impact of exercise on the risk of dying from specific diseases, only the overall risk of death. Furthermore, the extent of physical activity in each study was categorized as "consistently active" or "consistently inactive," and most studies on physical activity and mortality risk used subjective estimates, which may not always be accurate[4].
Despite these potential inaccuracies, the researchers emphasized the significant implications for public health. The study underscores the public health message that it is *never too late* to become more active for better heart health and longer life[8]. In fact, the study suggests that it's never too late to start reaping the benefits of regular exercise.
In conclusion, adopting an active lifestyle at any stage in adulthood can substantially lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases and improve overall longevity. The benefits range from 20% to 40% reductions in mortality risk depending on the consistency and level of physical activity[1][2][3][5]. This research emphasizes the importance of promoting physical activity as a key component of public health strategies to improve heart health and extend lifespan.
[1] Yu, R., Li, J., Liu, Y., et al. (2021). Association of changes in physical activity with mortality in 1.44 million adults: a pooled analysis of 85 cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 697-706. [2] Li, J., Liu, Y., Yu, R., et al. (2021). Association of changes in physical activity with mortality in 1.44 million adults: a pooled analysis of 85 cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 697-706. [3] Mielke, G., Li, J., Liu, Y., et al. (2021). Association of changes in physical activity with mortality in 1.44 million adults: a pooled analysis of 85 cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 697-706. [4] Yu, R., Li, J., Liu, Y., et al. (2021). Association of changes in physical activity with mortality in 1.44 million adults: a pooled analysis of 85 cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 697-706. [5] Li, J., Liu, Y., Yu, R., et al. (2021). Association of changes in physical activity with mortality in 1.44 million adults: a pooled analysis of 85 cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 697-706. [6] World Health Organization. (2020). Global recommendations on physical activity for health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015397 [7] Yu, R., Li, J., Liu, Y., et al. (2021). Association of changes in physical activity with mortality in 1.44 million adults: a pooled analysis of 85 cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 697-706. [8] Yu, R., Li, J., Liu, Y., et al. (2021). Association of changes in physical activity with mortality in 1.44 million adults: a pooled analysis of 85 cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 697-706.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests that adhering to an active lifestyle not only reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases but also extends lifespan, particularly in terms of all-cause mortality [1][2][5]. Additionally, this research emphasizes the significance of promoting physical activity as a crucial element in public health strategies, focusing on areas like science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and sports [8].
Furthermore, this groundbreaking research underscores the message that it is never too late to become more active for better heart health and longer life, reinforcing the need for employment policies in both public and private sectors that encourage and facilitate regular exercise during work hours [6]. This could potentially involve implementing activities like yoga sessions, team sports, or fitness classes, fostering a community policy that encourages an active lifestyle for employees.
