Short bursts of daily activity are tied to longer life

What's the news: Short bursts of non-exercise activity are tied to longer life.

Why should we believe it: The news is based on a new study, published earlier this month, by scientists in Australia. They looked at data from over 25,000 adults in the UK, average age 62, and they focused specifically on people who did not exercise regularly. Results:

• Brief bouts of intense daily activity — playing with kids, gardening, household duties — were tied to a lower risk of death

• Bouts lasting just 1-3 minutes of such activity cut the risk of death by 33%

• Bouts lasting 5-10 minutes of such activity cut the risk of death by more than 50%

Yes, but: This study is a classic case of correlation, not causation. It might be that people who are healthier simply engage in longer bouts of "non-exercise intense activities" exactly because they can.

A part of the results above certainly flows in the direction of health => increased activity. But it's also certain, at least to me, your Youthspan Hound, that the causation flows in the other direction also, and that regular activity, of whatever kind, is ultimately good for your health and longevity.

So what can you do now: Literally anything, as long as it gets you moving a little more than you would normally. Of course, regular exercise is great, and you should should do it if you can. But as this study shows — and as others have shown before — any kind of regular physical activity is good for you, and is much, much better than nothing.