Sunday, March 8, 2009

Men who exercise live longer

Beginning to regularly exercise at the age of 50 is reported to have the same impact on an individual's lifespan as quitting smoking.

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, the most physically active men at the age of 50 live 2.3 years longer than sedentary men and 1.1 years longer than those with medium levels of activity.

Similar to smoking cessation, any increase in physical activity among middle-aged and older men lowers the mortality rate in the long run. These men are believed to live as long as those who were used to regular exercise before that age.

Regular exercise not only adds to an old man's lifespan but also alleviates fatigue and lowers the risks of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Scientists therefore urge men to start exercising and adopt a more active lifestyle regardless of their age.

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