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Health

22nd Dec 2017

Doing this every day could add seven years to your life

You're probably doing it already.

Katie Mythen-Lynch

We all know the importance of exercise to a healthy body and mind, but new research proves that you don’t need to sweat it out in the gym every day to benefit. 

Scientists have discovered that taking just one brisk, 25-minute walk daily can add up to seven years to your life in your 50s and 60s by halving your risk of a heart attack – and it even works if you don’t start until your 70s.

According to research presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, regular aerobic exercise such as walking or slow jogging can slow down the ageing process.

Sanjay Sharma, professor of inherited cardiac diseases in sports cardiology at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says:

“We may never avoid becoming completely old, but we may delay the time we become old. We may look younger when we’re 70 and may live into our 90s.

“Exercise buys you three to seven additional years of life. It is an anti-depressant, it improves cognitive function and there is now evidence that it may retard the onset of dementia.”

“People with a heart condition shouldn’t run but walk to a point where they can still speak — but they shouldn’t be able to sing. Following these simple directions is essential considering our sedentary lifestyles.”

A life-lengthening health boost in the time it takes to watch Corrie? Let’s go.