Are household chores the secret to a longer, healthier life? According to one of the world’s largest studies on physical activity, the answer might just be a resounding yes.
The study, which followed 130,000 people across 17 countries from 2003 to 2010, reveals that household chores are as effective as hitting the gym when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease and increasing life expectancy.
Whether it’s breaking a sweat in a gym, walking to work, or simply doing household chores like vacuuming and gardening, the positive health effects remain consistent.
The study found that dedicating just 30 minutes to any form of physical activity, five days a week, can cut the risk of death from any cause by 29 percent and reduce the likelihood of heart disease by 20 percent.
Lead researcher, Scott Lear, emphasized the substantial benefit of even minimal physical activity, stating: “Walking for as little as 30 minutes most days of the week has a significant benefit, and higher physical activity is associated with even lower risks.”
Titled PURE [Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological study] and published in The Lancet, it underscores the universality of these health benefits, applicable across various income levels and lifestyles.
The research, spanning low and middle-income countries, sheds light on the importance of activities like commuting, having an active job, or engaging in routing household tasks.
With one in four people worldwide failing to meet the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise, the findings offer a practical and accessible alternative to traditional workout routines.
dedicating just 30 minutes to any form of physical activity, five days a week, can cut the risk of death from any cause by 29% and reduce the likelihood of heart disease by 20%
Surprisingly, the study found no upper limit to the benefits of exercise, with no associated risks linked to extremely high levels of physical activity – defined as more than 2,500 minutes per week. Those who spent over 750 minutes brisk walking each week saw a remarkable 36 percent reduction in the risk of premature death.
This revelation adds weight to previous studies highlighting the significance of regular physical activity.
Another study on older women also found that those with less than 40 minutes of daily exercise and over 10 hours of daily sedentary behaviour exhibited cells that are eight biological years older than their more active counterparts.
The message, according to the study is clear: “from cardiovascular health to longevity, a little physical activity, whether at the gym or in the household, can go a long way.”
In addition to the physical benefits, the study also notes the potential cognitive advantages, suggesting that increased physical activity not only enhances physical well-being but also keeps the brain more alert whether it is hitting the gym or simply tending to household chores, each step towards an active lifestyle is a step towards a longer and healthier life.
