At The Minded Institute, we recently came across an eye-opening study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that highlighted the profound impact of regular physical activity on life expectancy. The study revealed that increasing activity levels could extend life by up to five years. Dr. Lennert Veerman of Griffith University, the study’s senior author, emphasised that low physical activity levels may pose risks to longevity comparable to smoking and high blood pressure. This finding underscores the urgent need to address sedentariness as a major public health concern.
The article revealed a sobering truth: individuals in the least active groups experience significantly shorter lifespans compared to those who move more. However, its message is not one of despair but of hope. Even small, incremental increases in daily activity can lead to meaningful improvements in health and longevity. This might include activities as simple as gardening, walking, tidying up, or climbing stairs—tasks many of us do without realising their benefits. The study highlighted that modest efforts throughout the day can accumulate into significant health benefits over time.
Remarkably, the study found that individuals in the least active group who added just 111 minutes of movement per day could gain up to 11 extra years of life expectancy. It is worth noting that if the activity is high-intensity aerobic exercise, fewer minutes per day are required to achieve similar benefits.
We would like to highlight that yoga is particularly valuable in contributing to increased physical activity and potentially greater longevity. Beyond its physical benefits, yoga also improves mental health—a key factor in reducing the risk of early mortality—and supports mental clarity, which is essential for maintaining vitality, especially as we age.
What also adds to yoga’s unique benefit, is that it inspires greater overall physical activity. Research shows that individuals who practise yoga are more likely to engage in other forms of physical exercise, such as walking, swimming, or strength training. Furthermore, the mindful attention cultivated through yoga heightens body awareness, naturally encouraging practitioners to make choices that enhance overall well-being, such as eating healthier food and improving sleep hygiene.
Since increasing physical activity to 111 minutes a day can feel like a challenge, even if achieved in small bursts, we would love to hear from you. Share your tips, insights, or creative ways to incorporate more movement into daily life below.
