Centre for Policy on Ageing



Physical activity, physical fitness and longevity
Author(s)	I-M Lee, R S Paffenbarger, C H Hennekens
Journal title	Aging: Clinical and Experimental Research, vol 9, no 1/2, February/April 1997
Pages	pp 2-11
Keywords	Exercise ; Good Health ; Longevity ; Literature reviews ; International.
Annotation	Many studies have consistently shown that higher levels of physical activity are associated with decreased risks of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, colon, and, possibly, breast cancer, as well as osteoporosis. The biological processes proposed to explain these inverse associations are highly plausible. If physical activity does reduce the risk of developing these chronic diseases, we would also expect physical activity to delay mortality and enhance longevity. In this article, the authors review major epidemiological studies worldwide that have examined the association between physical activity or physical fitness and all-cause mortality. Data from these studies indicate that physical activity is effective in postponing mortality and enhancing longevity. Public health professionals worldwide should emphasise the need to increase activity levels during leisure time, as well as the need to incorporate physical activity into daily activities of life. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-980423211 A
Classmark	CEA: CD: BGA: 64A: 72
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.