A paper published by Diaz et al in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that replacing just 30 minutes of sitting with any kind of movement, every day, could help people to live longer.
The study involved nearly 7,999 American adults, aged 45 and older. Participants wore physical activity monitors (accelerometers) for at least four days as part of research conducted between 2009 and 2013. The study authors then tracked deaths among the participants until 2017.
The study found that half an hour of light activity – like walking, when a person would usually be sitting – corresponded to an estimated 17% lower risk of early death.
The study also found that half an hour of moderate or vigorous exercise corresponded to about a 35% lower mortality risk.
The authors concluded that physical activity of any intensity help in decreasing mortality risks incurred by sedentary lifestyle.
