Use it or Lose it!

It's long been known that an inactive lifestyle can result in a decrease in health and function. However, it's unclear what exactly constitutes an "inactive lifestyle", and how much of a decrease in health and function can be expected? A new study published in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health, "Sedentary Time in U.S. Older Adults Associated With Disability in Activities of Daily Living Independent of Physical Activity", helps bring some clarity. The study quantifies the relationship between the amount of time one spends sedentary (e.g., sitting at a desk) and the odds of developing a problem that would affect one's normal activities of daily living.

The study followed adults over the age of 60 and found the following:

• During an average of 14 hours of wakefulness per day, subjects were sedentary for approximately 9 hours.
  
• For every hour of sedentary behavior, the risk of developing a problem that would affect one's normal activities increases by 50%.
  
• While exercise is important for one's health, it does not mitigate the risks associated with being sedentary for prolonged periods. 
  

So what do we learn? It's not enough to just exercise in the morning for an hour and then sit at a desk for the rest of the day. It's important that we find ways to spread activity throughout our day. The good news is that it's easy to prevent the problems associated with prolonged sedentary behavior. Every half hour, simply get up and walk around for a few minutes. If aches and pains are discouraging you from being more active, it's important to address those problems in order to prevent further disability.