According to recent research, participants over the age of 40 were found to be more likely to die, as mortality rates associated with insufficient physical activity become more stable at this age. By using the life expectancy table, an instrument predicting the likelihood of reaching a certain age, researchers discovered that an increase in daily physical activity by 111 minutes can extend life expectancy by 11 years for those whose activity levels are the highest.
Lennerd Wierman, professor of public health at Griffith University in Australia, emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve this goal, such as reducing reliance on automobiles and implementing long-term planning: "We need to work together to realize this vision, especially considering that the current healthcare system is not in a position to support rising costs associated with insufficient physical activity."
Wierman's research builds on a 2019 study which showed that the risk of premature death decreases with increased physical activity. With multiple ongoing challenges and calls to balance work and health, many find it difficult to dedicate time to physical exercise, which negatively impacts their health and life expectancy. However, a recent study reported by CNN indicated that regular engagement in sports could increase life expectancy by a minimum of five years.
