“Sit LESS, Move MORE” Hack for Healthy Aging
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 4, 2024
When it comes to investing in your health (and healthy aging), what if you could get a BIG return on a small investment of time and effort?
A groundbreaking study suggests you can do precisely that, and it doesn’t involve fad diets or extreme workout regimens.
Recent research published in JAMA Network Open revealed that simply moving more (and sitting less) is linked to living LONGER.
In fact, researchers even pinpointed exactly how much more movement you need to really up your chances of adding extra years to your life…
The new study suggests that replacing just one hour of sedentary behavior (sitting) with light physical activity could increase your odds of living longer by approximately 28 percent.
And as lifestyles become increasingly sedentary, that’s a big deal.
Extended periods of sitting are linked to unhealthy aging and various health issues, including an increased risk of dementia, joint pain, cancer, headaches, and more.
But here’s the most alarming part. Excessive daily sitting could increase your risk of dying from heart disease REGARDLESS of any formal exercise program you follow.
In other words, if you sit a lot… even if it’s between workouts… your death risk SOARS.
The researchers identified four key lifestyle factors that significantly contribute to healthy aging:
- Limiting television viewing (less than 3 hours daily)
- Engaging in light physical activity at work (at least 3 hours daily)
- Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity (minimum 30 minutes daily)
- Maintaining a healthy weight (avoiding becoming overweight or obese)
Scientists estimate that 61 percent of people classified as “usual agers” could transition to “healthy agers” just by adhering to these four lifestyle factors.
The study underscores how relatively minor lifestyle changes can yield HUGE health rewards.
And this research adds to a growing body of evidence on aging that consistent, low-intensity physical activity throughout the day (even chores like doing the laundry, gardening, and walking around the block count) can have substantial health benefits.
So, go ahead and step away from the TV and look for opportunities throughout your day to move more. You’ll be rewarded by living LONGER and BETTER.
P.S. Maintain MAXIMUM mobility as you age.
Source:
Shi H, Hu F, Huang T, et al. Sedentary behaviors, light physical activity, and healthy aging. JAMA Network Open. 2024. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16300
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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