Want to live longer? Researchers say start doing some housework. A new study has found doing some light physical activity like washing your clothes, dishes, and even cooking can reduce your risk of early death significantly. A team from theUniversity of Leicester say those who want to live a long like need to be a little more active every day. The study was led by the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.
When light-intensity activity increased death rates fell dramatically, according to the findings. From getting rid of the garbage to walking were simple activities that helped people live longer. Researchers found those who increased there physical activity, like doing a chore for about 24 minutes, reduced the risk of early death even more. However, those that did nothing for 9.5 hours were at a higher risk of dying earlier. They were also more likely to develop health issues like heart disease.
"It has previously been widely assumed that more is better in terms of physical activity for health,"Thomas Yates, a professor at the University of Leicester, told a news portal. Adding, "However, this study suggests health may be optimized with just 24 minutes per day of brisk walking or other forms of moderate-intensity physical activity.’ Conclusion? Sit less, move more and more often, because the elixir of life was in your feather duster all along."
Current physical recommendations suggest people should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to stay healthy. Experts urge people to move more in their day and avoid sitting down for too long.
The study's findings were originally published in the BMJ.
Picture Courtesy: Google Images
