Study finds being OUTDOORS helps you live longer

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It’s a no-brainer that exercise is key when it comes to longevity. Numerous studies have investigated which type of exercise holds the greatest health benefits with surprising results.

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, evaluated the differential improvements in life expectancy associated with participation in various sports.

The study involved 8,577 participants who were followed for up to 25 years for all-cause mortality.

Relative risks were calculated using cox proportional hazards models with full adjustment for confounding variables.

The study noted: “Multivariable-adjusted life expectancy gains compared with the sedentary group for different sports were as follows: tennis, 9.7 years; badminton, 6.2 years; soccer, 4.7 years; cycling, 3.7 years; swimming, 3.4 years; jogging, 3.2 years; calisthenics, 3.1 years; and health club activities, 1.5 years.”

It was concluded that various sports are associated with markedly different improvements in life expectancy.

“Interestingly, the leisure-time sports that inherently involve more social interaction were associated with the best longevity – a finding that warrants further investigation,” it added.

The social interaction involved in partner and team sports may compound the plentiful benefits of physical activity, adding more years to your life than solo exercise.

Tennis, badminton and football are all better for longevity than cycling, swimming, jogging or gym exercise, according to the research.

“For both mental and physical well-being and longevity, we’re understanding that our social connections are probably the single-most important feature of living a long, healthy, happy life,” says study co-author Dr James O’Keefe, a cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute.

He added: “If you’re interested in exercising for health and longevity and well-being, perhaps the most important feature of your exercise regimen is that it should involve a playdate.”

Several studies have also revealed other holistic benefits of participating in team sports.

Athletes who play team sports are healthier — and more satisfied with life. 

Another study found that physical activity had a significant influence on the life satisfaction of participants.

Not only does being part of a team give you access to health professionals, but also provides a built-in support system that can rally around you when you are pursuing specific health goals.

There’s a lot of other research proving a link between social interactions and good health.

But this doesn’t mean solo forms of exercise are not good for you.

On the contrary, they can still prolong your life and offer other health benefits.

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