Improving Physical Activity Could Add Over 5 Years to Life Expectancy: BMJ

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlighted the life-prolonging benefits of increased physical activity (PA), revealing how much healthier Americans could become if they embraced more movement. This research was conducted using data from the 2019 US population and mortality statistics from 2017 which illuminates a clear association between low physical activity and reduced life expectancy.

The study analyzed adults aged 40 and above and found that boosting physical activity to match the levels of the most active 25% of the population could extend life expectancy by an average of 5.3 years. This study employed device-measured PA data from the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES), combined with a predictive risk model. They used a life-table approach to simulate mortality outcomes for the population, based on varying levels of physical activity.

The findings suggest that if all Americans over 40 were as physically active as the top quartile of the population, the average life expectancy could rise by over 5 years. This figure is supported by a 95% uncertainty range of 3.7 to 6.8 years, showcasing a robust benefit from higher activity levels. Among the individuals in the lowest quartile of physical activity, even small increases in PA could yield significant benefits. For instance, walking for just one additional hour per day could add roughly 6.3 hours of life expectancy (with an uncertainty interval ranging from 5.4 to 7.1 hours).

These results demonstrated that individuals who are the least active stand to gain the most from incremental increases in physical activity. Also, the research emphasized that these findings highlight the need for increased investment in promoting physical activity at both individual and community levels. Designing environments that encourage walking, cycling, and other forms of exercise could significantly contribute to public health and longevity.

This research builds to the growing evidence of the role of physical activity in reducing disease burden and mortality risk. By quantifying life expectancy gains with clear, device-measured data, it provides actionable insights for public health initiatives. As a society, tackling sedentary behavior could become as crucial as combating smoking or unhealthy diets. Overall, this study not only illustrates the benefits of being active but also provides a strong case for making physical activity a central component of public health strategies.

Source:

Veerman, L., Tarp, J., Wijaya, R., Wanjau, M. N., Möller, H., Haigh, F., Lucas, P., & Milat, A. (2024). Physical activity and life expectancy: a life-table analysis. In British Journal of Sports Medicine (p. bjsports-2024-108125). BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108125