Walking the dog or pottering in the garden could extend life expectancy

The Daily Telegraph published an article this week which validates how low level activity on a regular basis improves our health and wellbeing...something we're always banging the drum about with our standing desks...

"Pottering around the garden or walking the dog is enough to help older men live longer, a new study suggests. The research found that half an hour a day of any level of physical activity is linked to a 17 per cent reduction in the risk of death in older men.

UK health advice suggests 150 minutes moderate to vigorous physical activity, with bouts of at least 10 minutes recommended. But the new research suggests the total amount of time spent on activity is more important - with gentle movement enough to make a major difference.

The researchers from University College London tracked more than 1,000 men, with an average age of 78, who wore an  accelerometer- a portable gadget that continuously tracks the volume and intensity during waking hours for seven days. During the monitoring period, which averaged around five years, 194 of the men died. The findings showed total amount of time spent active was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause.

Each additional 30 minutes a day of light intensity activity - such as gentle gardening or taking the dog for a walk - was associated with a 17 per cent reduction in the risk of death. Those managing half an hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day saw the risk of death fall by 33 per cent, the research found."

So once again this is another piece of evidence that shows how the human body benefits from low level but regular activity. Sitting 8.5 hours every working day in front of your PC is not conducive with a healthy life style.

The option?  A sit-stand desk allows you to work actively for chosen periods of your day. It's a no-brainer!