Older men who enjoy light activities such as gardening slash their risk of dying young, study reveals
Research shows simply walking the dog or watering your garden daily could drastically decrease the chances of an early death
POTTERING around can dramatically prolong older men’s lives, a study reveals.
Those in their seventies and eighties cut their chances of premature death by 17 per cent for every 30 minutes of daily activity.
Pottering can be gentle activities such as light gardening, walking the dog, cooking and strolling to the shops.
Among those who pottered most, death rates fell by more than half over 5½ years, compared to couch potatoes.
Experts say the results show older OAPs do not need intense physical activity to live longer.
Dr Barbara Jefferis, of University College London, said: “There is this misconception that people have to go to exercise classes to be physically active, but it is more to do with just moving throughout the day, whether it’s in the garden, around the house or a gentle walk.
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“We found light activity was enough to increase life expectancy, and it is a much more realistic aim for older people.
“There is a real positive message.
"Simply getting up and doing something is enough to improve your health.”
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