New research findings suggest that even light physical activity, such as housework, can significantly improve one’s chances of healthy aging. The study, conducted over 20 years and involving 45,176 participants, focused on the impact of sedentary behavior, particularly TV watching, on aging.

The study, led by investigators from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and institutions in China and Austria, found that for every two hours of daily TV watching, the likelihood of healthy aging decreased by 12 percent. In contrast, engaging in two hours of light physical activity increased the chances of healthy aging by 6 percent.

While it is well-known that physical activity can reduce the risk of early death and vigorous exercise can promote healthy aging, this study aimed to highlight the benefits of light physical activity. The researchers pointed out that prolonged sitting, such as during TV watching, can have negative effects on skeletal muscle function and mitochondrial activity, impacting glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and blood flow to the brain.

The team emphasized the importance of these findings in the current technological era where sedentary behaviors are prevalent. With only 8.6 percent of participants achieving healthy aging by the end of the study period, the researchers stressed the need for increased physical activity to counteract the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles.

Moreover, the study revealed that replacing sedentary activities like TV watching with other behaviors, such as light physical activity or even adequate sleep, can improve the odds of aging healthfully. The researchers concluded that incorporating any form of light activity into daily routines can have significant benefits for overall health and well-being.