A Little Exercise Goes a Long Way

Do you exercise regularly? Or do you dread it, thinking you just don’t have time or energy to do a real workout, so why bother? The National Institute on Aging recently conducted a study of 302 active adults over age 70 to measure their fitness levels. They discovered that any type of simple physical activity may lengthen lives — no sweating required.

For a period of six years, the participants in this study kept track of how many calories they burned every day. Here’s what researchers found, as reported in WebMd:

The most physically active participants were nearly 70% less likely to die than those with the lowest physical activity level. Self-rated health, education, smoking status, and health conditions at the study’s start scarcely changed the results.

I’ve been taking a couple of walks a day while my knee is recuperating. I’m just adding a little bit more than I’d do anyway. Pushing a baby stroller and walking a dog keep it interesting. If possible, get outside to exercise — it’s good to fill your lungs with fresh air and see what’s going on out in the world!