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A new study reveals that increasing physical activity after the age of 40 could significantly extend your life expectancy, with some surprising results. According to the research, people in their 40s who increase their activity levels to match the top 25 per cent of their peers could gain an average of five additional years of life. For those in the lowest 25 per cent of daily activity, the increase could be even greater, potentially adding 11 years to their lifespan.

The study, led by Lennert Veerman, a professor of public health at Griffith University in Australia, analyzed data from U.S. health surveys conducted between 2003 and 2006. The research team used activity data collected from fitness trackers worn by participants aged 40 and older and matched it with U.S. mortality data from 2017 to 2019. The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on November 14.

The team found that individuals in the top 25 per cent of fitness levels in their age group were engaging in an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week—equivalent to brisk walking at a pace of 3 miles per hour. If everyone over 40 were to match this level of activity, their life expectancy could increase by an average of five years—from 78.6 years to nearly 84 years.

For those who are less active, the benefits of increased physical activity are even more pronounced. The study found that individuals in the lowest 25 per cent of activity levels would gain a significant 11 extra years of life if they were to boost their activity to the level of the most active individuals. Specifically, every additional hour of walking each day could add about six extra hours to a person's lifespan.

While the study shows a strong association between physical activity and increased life expectancy, the researchers caution that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, the results underscore the importance of regular physical activity in improving health outcomes and increasing longevity.

The researchers also emphasized the need for community-based initiatives to encourage more people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Infrastructure changes, such as building walkable neighbourhoods, creating green spaces, and promoting active transportation, could significantly help increase physical activity levels and improve life expectancy at the population level.

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