From Walking to Swimming: The Best Physical Activities for a Longer, Healthier Life
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective and evidence-based ways to extend lifespan and improve long-term health, according to recent research. While scientists have long known that exercise benefits the heart, lungs and muscles, emerging studies are now clarifying how variety and consistency in movement contribute to longevity — and why staying active matters at every stage of life. Physical activity isn’t just about hitting the gym or running long distances. New evidence suggests that a mix of activities — including running, cycling, swimming, brisk walking and even leisure pursuits like gardening — may offer the most significant benefits for reducing the risk of premature death from all causes. People who engaged in a broader range of physical activities were found to have up to a 19% lower risk of dying earlier compared with those who performed fewer types of activity, even when total exercise time was the same. Research indicates that all forms of movement play ...