Adopting a more active lifestyle at any age can extend life. This is the conclusion reached by scientists after analyzing data from 85 studies involving over 6.5 million people. According to an article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, individuals who remained physically active throughout their adult lives had a 30–40% lower risk of death from any cause. Even those who started exercising later in life saw their risk reduced by 20–25%.
Researchers examined various physical activity patterns, including consistent activity, increased activity with age, moderate activity, and leisure-time activity. They found that even individuals who began leading an active lifestyle in middle age reduced their risk of death from cardiovascular diseases by nearly 40%. Conversely, transitioning from an active to a sedentary lifestyle offered no such benefit.
The greatest benefits were observed with regular moderate or intense activity, such as walking, running, or swimming. Even if the total amount of activity did not meet the recommended 150 minutes per week, it still provided a noticeable positive effect.
This research holds significant implications for public health. It confirms that it`s never too late to start exercising. Moreover, it`s crucial not just to start but to maintain activity throughout life, as this helps reduce the risk of premature death even without strenuous athletic training.
Previously, scientists discovered that plant-based protein can extend life. Countries where people consume more protein from beans, nuts, and grains have shown higher life expectancy compared to those where diets are dominated by meat and dairy products.
