Leisure Activities Lower Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease and Death

Research at the National Cancer Institute analyzed responses from over 272,000 people between the ages of 59 and 82. National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Researcha longitudinal study of the relationship between diet and health.

Researchers found that the recommended amount of combined aerobic exercise per week was associated with a 13% lower risk of death from any cause compared to doing nothing.

Playing racquet sports had the highest risk of cardiovascular disease, with a 27% lower risk of dying from heart disease and a 16% lower premature death. The largest reduction in cancer risk (19%) was associated with running, which reduced the risk of early death by 15%, the study said.

The study found that all the activities investigated were associated with a lower risk of death.

“Participating in any activity was associated with lower mortality compared with those who did not participate in each activity, including moderate-intensity activities,” study author Eleanor Watts said. writing. National Institutes of Health.

This study was only able to show associations rather than full cause and effect.