Health
Sweat and Live Long
To live longer, work up a sweat when you exercise, says a longevity expert at the Centre for Activity and Aging writing in Get Fit For Active Living.
Research director Dr. Don Paterson reviews scientific literature to back his claim that moderately vigorous exercise is necessary to reduce the risk of mortality. He says that ordinary activity and chores around the house won't help you live longer.
Moderately vigorous exercise is defined as activity in the 50 to 70 percent VO2max range, where VO2max is maximal oxygen consumption by working muscles. The effort has to be above a threshold for your age to alter your mortality risk, Paterson says
He finds little evidence that accumulating moderate activity, short duration non-aerobic activities or small muscle group activities reduce risk. Walk, take the stairs or rake leaves all you want, but add a vigorous workout several times a week to live longer, Paterson recommends.
Research director Dr. Don Paterson reviews scientific literature to back his claim that moderately vigorous exercise is necessary to reduce the risk of mortality. He says that ordinary activity and chores around the house won't help you live longer.
Moderately vigorous exercise is defined as activity in the 50 to 70 percent VO2max range, where VO2max is maximal oxygen consumption by working muscles. The effort has to be above a threshold for your age to alter your mortality risk, Paterson says
He finds little evidence that accumulating moderate activity, short duration non-aerobic activities or small muscle group activities reduce risk. Walk, take the stairs or rake leaves all you want, but add a vigorous workout several times a week to live longer, Paterson recommends.
