New research suggests that inactivity, especially during retirement, could be one of the main causes of the epidemic of chronic diseases.

Staying active as we get older directs processes in the body that help support ageing, such as the release of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and improves blood flow, say researchers from Harvard University.  As a result, we reduce our risk of chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.

It doesn’t only make good sense—it could be in our evolutionary make-up.  The scientists discovered from 40,000-year-old fossils that hunter-gatherers were active for around 135 minutes every day—roughly six to 10 times more active than the average American today—and lived to around the age of 70.

Although we evolved to be physically active throughout our lives, the amount of exercise we need to do isn’t daunting.  Even moderate activity for up to 20 minutes a day lowers our risk of chronic disease and an early death.

(Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2021; 118: e2107621118)