Active Leisure Time Improves Metabolic & Cardiovascular Health

Previously, number of studies have suggested a correlation between a sedentary lifestyle and increased risks of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.  Elin Ekblom-Bak, from the Karolinska University Hospital (Sweden), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 4,332 men and women, average age 60 years, residing in Stockholm.  At the study's start, non-exercise physical activity and exercise habits were assessed from a self-administrated questionnaire and cardiovascular health was established through physical examinations and laboratory tests. The participants were followed for an average of 12.5 years for the assessment of cardiovascular disease events and mortality.  The team found that at the study's start,  subjects with a high level of non-exercise physical activity of daily life, regardless of regular exercise, achieved more preferable metabolic risk factors, as compared to those with low levels of physical activity.  Further,a high non-exercise physical activity of daily life level, regardless of exercising regularly or not, also associated with a lower risk of a first cardiovascular disease event and lower all-cause mortality.  The study authors conclude that: "A generally active daily life was, regardless of exercising regularly or not, associated with cardiovascular health and longevity in older adults."