Swap Your Screen Time for Strolls: How Healthy Ageing Ties to Activity Levels

New research appears to illuminate the often-overlooked relationship between light physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and their impacts on healthy aging. A comprehensive study, drawing upon the Nurses' Health Study data, tracked participants aged 50+ for 20 years, offering fresh insights on lifestyle modifications that promote health in later years.

The study, spearheaded by Hongying Shi, PhD., and peers, focused on differentiating the effects of sedentary behavior (like watching TV) and light-intensity activities (such as casual walking or standing) on the likelihood of what the study terms healthy aging. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, reveal a significant tradeoff: less TV time in favor of physical activity can improve the odds of a robust older age.

Healthy aging, as the researchers define, isn't merely about reaching a ripe old age; it encompasses freedom from major chronic diseases, maintaining physical and mental health, and memory retention. Out of 45,176 participating women, those who spent more time engaging in sedentary activities, particularly television viewing, were less likely to experience this kind of wholesome aging. On the other hand, increasing light physical activity, especially as part of work routines, was associated with better odds of healthy aging.

The study goes further, modeling hypothetical scenarios: replacing just one hour per day of TV time with light home-based activities, work-related light activity, moderate-to-vigorous activities, or even sleep for those under seven hours would all improve the chances of healthier golden years.

While sedentary lifestyles have gained a foothold, researchers suggest that even slight adjustments can have profound impacts. Such lifestyle changes are crucial considering the study's data indicating only 8.6% of participants met the criteria for healthy aging after two decades. The study proposes that nearly 61% of those not achieving the healthy aging markers could do so by swapping excessive screen time with being more physically active, even if it's just light activities.

This study has broad implications, underscoring the value of integrating more movement into daily life, regardless of one's age: Going for walks instead of sitting down for another TV episode could be a simple yet powerful prescription for a healthier life as we age.

Full details of the study can be accessed in the JAMA Network Open journal. Individuals and health professionals can view more health-related resources by visiting Buoy Health, which provided support in building this informative piece.

[Source: JAMA Network Open, 2024;7(6):e2416300. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16300]