Silver Living Manchester

www.silverlivingmagazine.co.uk 20 Why you need to get moving THERE is now clear evidence that a moderate amount of exercise can help lengthen your life, according to a new medical study. Even washing the dishes can be good for you. However, the findings also show that sitting for several hours a day is linked to an increased risk of early death in middle aged and older people. Previous studies have repeatedly suggested that sedentary behaviour is bad and physical activity is good for health and long life. Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week, but are based mainly on self-reported activity, which is often imprecise. However, exactly how much activity - and at what intensity - is needed to protect health remained unclear. A team led by professor Ulf Ekelund at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo has carried out new research around the subject. And its work has discovered that any level of physical activity, regardless of intensity, is associated with a substantially lower risk of death. That includes light activity such as walking slowly or even cooking, hoovering or washing dishes. The research has now been published in the British Medical Journal. In stark contrast, spending 9.5 hours or more each day sedentary – not including sleep - was associated with a statistically “significant increased” risk of death. In the study, the team looked at data from eight studies that included more than 36,000 adults, aged 40 and older, who were followed for an average of almost six years. People taking part in the research wore a device that tracked the volume and the intensity of their activity during waking hours. The researchers say their work “strengthens the view that any physical activity is beneficial and likely achievable for large segments of the population.” Prof Ekelund and his team acknowledge that increasing activity among the general population is “challenging”, but say walking is one promising target for intervention, as it is simple, free and achievable - even for older adults. And their report adds: “Developing ways to limit sedentary time and increase activity at any level could considerably improve health and reduce mortality.” CALLING ALL DECONDITIONED LADIES GET FIT TODAY THE MOTORCISEWAY! STAY HEALTHY KEEP ACTIVE WOODANN@YMAIL.COM WWW.MOTORCISE-BOLTON.CO.UK Motorcise Healthy Living ENQUIRE NOWFOR OUR NEWYEAR SPECIAL OFFERS 01204 384444 THERE’SMORE TO LIFEAT MOTORCISE 10 Multi-functional Machines working several muscles/ joints on each Ideal for those unable to partake in regular exercise due to Health Problems Gift Vouchers available to buy for members & newmembers 2 WALKERS - 1 STEPPER - 1 AIR GLIDER - 2 AIR STRIDERS