It’s no secret that exercise is key to a healthier and longer life. As you have likely heard, federal guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. Think: five days of 30-minute workouts like brisk walking, dancing or cycling. The guidelines also call for at least two sessions of strength training per week.
But how much exercise do you really need to get life-extending benefits? Is 150 minutes a week the optimal amount of exercise for a long life, or should you strive for more? What if you measure your exercise in steps, not minutes? And how many years do other types of exercise, like strength and balance training, add?
Recent studies on the links between activity and longevity help shed light on those and other questions — with some surprising takeaways for older adults in particular. (For instance, more doesn’t appear to be more when it comes to strength training, while stretching emerges as a potential lifesaver.)
To find out what what research and experts say about the right dose of exercise to enhance your life span, from AARP, CLICK HERE.
