Regularly mixing different types of physical activities can help you live longer, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers from Harvard University and a hospital in China examined the health of over 111,000 people, looking at their exercise habits over 30 years.
What they found was interesting: not just the amount of exercise mattered, but the variety too. People who engaged in a wide range of activities had a lower risk of dying, no matter their total exercise time. This points to the fact that an active lifestyle is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
The study focused on individuals without major health issues like heart disease or diabetes. Walking was the most common activity for both men and women. Men tended to jog or run more often, while women leaned toward walking.
The results show that those who walked the most had a 17% lower risk of dying compared to those who walked less. Climbing stairs reduced the risk by 10%, while playing racquet sports like tennis cut the risk by 15%. Resistance training also helped, lowering the risk by 13%.
What’s truly fascinating is that having a variety of activities linked to a 19% lower risk of death overall. Specific reductions in risk from diseases like heart issues and cancer ranged from 13% to 41%.
The study emphasizes that regularly engaging in multiple types of exercise can lead to a longer life. So, it’s not just about how much you move but what you do.
Interestingly, a separate report from the World Health Organization states that only 1 in 4 adults globally meet the recommended levels of physical activity. This suggests that many people may not be reaping the benefits of varied exercise routines.
In short, embracing different forms of exercise—whether it’s walking, cycling, dancing, or swimming—can greatly improve health and longevity.
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