Key points from article :
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that just one hour of walking a day for people over 40 can significantly improve life expectancy. Researchers from Australia found that if individuals in this age group could match the activity levels of the most physically active 25% of the population, they could gain nearly five extra years of life. Those in the least active quarter of the population could gain almost 11 years by increasing their daily walking to match the top 25%.
The study, which used data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, examined the relationship between physical activity and life expectancy. It estimated that 160 minutes of walking per week, or roughly 30 minutes per day at a moderate pace, could extend life expectancy by over five years. This could raise the average lifespan in the US from 78.6 to nearly 84 years. Even smaller increases in daily activity provided significant benefits, with each additional hour of walking potentially adding over two and a half hours to one's life.
While the study can't prove direct cause-and-effect relationships, it underscores the importance of regular physical activity for longevity. The researchers advocate for public policies and infrastructure that promote walking, such as walkable neighborhoods and green spaces, to help improve overall health and life expectancy.
