Thirty minutes of physical activity, five days a week can help you live longer, according to a new study published in the medical journal, Lancet. 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and a major economic burden globally. It is estimated that 70 per cent of deaths from cardiovascular disease occur in low and middle income countries. In such countries, it is also the most common cause of death.

“The 150 minutes are important, but the higher you go from there, the better for you,” said Dr R M Anjana, co-author of the study. Being highly active, 750 minutes a week, is associated with greater benefits and authors such as Anjana found that this was “more achievable for those who built physical activity into their day through active transport, job type or housework”.

“This study is very relevant in the Indian context because, it shows for the very first time that engaging in non-recreational activity such as household chores, activity at work, also has a benefit on overall mortality. In India, people are most active during work or transport. For instance, they could be using a public transport that would involve some physical activity. So, we now know that whatever physical activity we incorporate into our daily lives, can have a beneficial effect in decreasing mortality,” said Anjana, Vice President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation.

The World Health Organisation recommends that adults aged between18 to 64 years old do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, as well as muscle strengthening exercises at least two days a week. But estimates suggest that 23 per cent of the world’s population is not meeting the physical activity guidelines.