By Jeanna D. Smith – Medical News Today
- A new study offers an alternative for older adults who are unable to commit to a regular exercise regimen.
- According to the international research team, a few minutes of energetic everyday movements may reduce the risk of early death.
- The research, which uses wearable technology, is the first of its kind to assess the health benefits of “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity” (VILPA).
- The researchers hope that global physical activity guidelines could become updated to promote VILPA.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that at least 1 in 4 adults do not get enough physical activity. Inactivity and sedentary lifestyles carry a 20% to 30% greater risk of premature death compared to more active lifestyles.
But new research from an international team at the University of Sydney in Australia suggests that simply turning up the effort in daily activities can help mitigate that risk significantly and prolong life.
