Anyone whose job requires them to be off their feet and sitting in an office chair throughout the week is going to face obstacles to good health. Without getting up and out of that chair on a regular basis, an individual will have trouble getting the kind of exercise that can keep them in tiptop shape. That’s why we advise anyone who leads a sedentary work or home life to stand up and do some light stretching or a walk around the block every couple of hours.
A new study shows the potentially dangerous result that can await persons over the age of 60 who similarly struggle to get up and on their feet regularly. The research, which hails from the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, involved an analysis of 2,000 people in the aforementioned age demographic.
On four separate occasions over the course of four years, these participants had their levels of activity measured through the usage of an accelerometer. A whopping 94% of people reportedly failed to achieve even two and a half hours of mid-level physical activity on a weekly basis. The average level of sitting time was nine hours, not including sleep. Researchers also discovered that the risk of suffering from a disability increased by half with every hour of inactivity. 4% of the participants in total sustained some kind of disability.
One big bone of contention with the research, which is featured in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health, is the assumption that the sedentary lifestyle may have contributed to the disability. One professor interviewed for the story noted that the disability may have contributed to being more sedentary rather than vice versa.
Whatever the connection between the two, one can’t underestimate the role that a sedentary lifestyle can play in overall health. If you don’t suffer from a disability that prevents you from standing up and getting around on a regular basis, there are steps you can take to maintain appropriate fitness levels.
If you’re at work, get in the habit of taking a 15 minute break a couple of times per day. During this break, walk around the office or do some light aerobic exercises in a suitable place. Pay especial attention to your back muscles, which can become quite sore if you’re sitting all day. Ergonomic chairs and office equipment can help in this regard.
If you’re retired, getting out is important too. Rather than sitting throughout the day, make it a point to take a walk around the block or go to the gym every day or every other day. Speak with a doctor about the type of regimen that would be suited to your lifestyle, and do whatever you can to get physical fitness regularly.
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