University of California San Diego — MedicalXPress, Wednesday 24 August 2022
Physical activity may have a stronger role than genes in longevity, according to a study published in the 24 August 2022 online edition of the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego set out to answer whether associations between physical activity and sedentary time with death varied based on different levels of genetic predisposition for longevity. In 2012, as part of the Women’s Health Initiative Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health study, researchers began measuring the physical activity of 5,446 women in The United States who were 63 and older, following them through 2020. Participants wore a research-grade accelerometer for up to seven days to measure how much time they spent moving, the intensity of physical activity, and sedentary time.
The study found that higher levels of light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower risk of death, while higher sedentary time was associated with higher risk of mortality. Crucially, these associations were consistent among women who had different levels of genetic predisposition for longevity. “Our study showed that, even if you aren’t likely to live long based on your genes, you can still extend your lifespan by engaging in positive lifestyle behaviours, such as regular exercise and sitting less,” said senior author Dr Aladdin H Shadyab of UC San Diego. “Conversely, even if your genes predispose you to a long life, remaining physically active is still important to achieve longevity.” The study findings support recommendations that older women should participate in physical activity of any intensity to reduce the risk of disease and premature death.