London - Getting out into the garden or doing DIY could save your life, say researchers.
Older people with active hobbies cut their risk of a heart attack or stroke, and their chances of dying from any cause by up to 30 percent, according to a study.
Experts say the research shows how active daily routines can counteract the harm caused by sedentary lifestyles.
The study monitored the heart health and activities of almost 4 000 people aged 60 in Sweden, for 12 and a half years.
An initial check assessed their lifestyle, such as diet and alcohol intake, and how active they were. They were asked how often they did a range of daily activities – such as gardening and DIY – over the previous 12 months, as well as any formal exercise.
Their cardiovascular health was assessed by checking on blood fats, blood sugars, and blood clotting factor, high levels of which raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Those who had a generally active daily life had a much lower risk profile for cardiovascular problems, irrespective of how much formal exercise they did. Those who exercised regularly and were also often physically active had the lowest risk of all.
Over the course of the study, the highest level of physical activity, regardless of the amount of formal exercise, was linked to a 27 percent cut in heart attack or stroke risk and a 30 percent lower risk of death from all causes.
Because the elderly spend proportionately more time doing routine activities, it makes it important for them to be physically taxing, says a report on the study published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Researcher Elin Ekblom-Bak, of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, said: “Our findings are particularly important for older adults.” - Daily Mail