Doing this one thing every day could help you live longer
Want to live a long life? It’s time to turn of your phone, tablet, computer or whatever device you’re reading on right now and get out of the house. That’s the latest recommendation from researchers.
A recent study tracking more than 3,000 people between the ages of 70 and 90 over a 25-year period tracked how often each person left their homes and how long they lived – frequently (six or seven days a week), often (two to five times a week) or rarely (once a week or less).
Those who went outside every day had the greatest longevity, while those who left home the least had the highest risk of mortality. Surprisingly, this finding was consistent even when taking into account health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, vision impairment and mobility problems.
“What is interesting is that the improved survival associated with getting out of the house frequently was also observed among people with low levels of physical activity, and even those with impaired mobility lead,” author Dr Jeremy M. Jacobs said. “Resilient individuals remain engaged, irrespective of their physical limitations.”
It’s not just the physical act of leaving the house, however. The social interaction that comes with engaging with friends, family and the community can curb the negative effects of social isolation, which has been found to shorten the lives of seniors.
A 2013 study found that older people who live apart from their family and friends had a 26 per cent higher risk of death during a seven-year period than those who were more socially engaged.
“They’re dying of the usual causes, but isolation has a strong influence,” study author and epidemiologist at University College London, Andrew Steptoe, told the Los Angeles Times.
“When you’re socially isolated, you not only lack companionship in many cases, but you may also lack advice and support from people,” he explained in the scientific journal Nature.
So whether it’s a shopping trip, lunch with friends or a walk down at the beach, it’s time to start getting out as much as you can!
Tell us in the comments below, how many times a week do you leave the house?