Researchers have recently discovered that engaging in simple daily activities for just three minutes may significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in older adults.
According to a report from Medical Express, the study analyzed data from 24,139 participants in the UK Biobank, with an average age of 62, who wore activity trackers to monitor their physical activity levels from 2013 to 2015.
The researchers from the UK and Australia, in collaboration with the MacKenzie Center for Wearable Devices, focused on individuals who did not regularly engage in exercise. They found that everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning, gardening, or even shopping, provide substantial heart health benefits.
The findings revealed that participants who engaged in moderate-intensity daily activities for at least three minutes showed a reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes.
The study noted gender differences, indicating that women tend to participate in these incidental activities more than men. This difference partially explains the variations in heart disease rates between genders. Moreover, the research indicated that the health benefits increase with the duration and intensity of these daily activities.