It seems the older we grow, the more sedate some of us become – particularly during retirement. It takes an effort to put regular, daily exercise into our routine, but the rewards are worth it. In fact, scientists report that chronic sitting can increase the risk of early death.
New research reveals that walking as little as 15 minutes every day can have a significant and positive long-term impact on health. The key isn’t speed; it’s consistency. You need to do it every day, and it doesn’t require that you go to a gym. The key is to do it. The good news is that, as with most exercise, the more you do it the more you crave doing it – and will miss it if you’re laid up for a few days.
The study involved participants aged 60 and older who were asked to exercise for 15 minutes every day. The study concluded that this simple act reduced the risk of dying by 22 percent compared to people who don’t exercise. The benefits of walking can’t be stressed enough, for physical, mental and even emotional health. With the discovery of the clear benefits from walking just 15 minutes a day, why would most healthy adults not implement this easy and impactful change?
Benefits:
- Reduces risk for high blood pressure and diabetes
- Promotes weight loss
- Increases metabolism
- Tones muscles
- Increases vitamin D levels
- Relieves pain
- Helps prevent the development of colon, breast and lung cancer
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Strengthens heart
- Reduces stress
- Boosts mood
- Improves self-esteem
