Even short bursts of physical activity can help us live longer

If you want to live longer, take more steps each day, even if they come in short bursts throughout the day rather than one long period of exercise. According to a new study presented last week at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Health Conference, walking in sessions of 10 minutes or more appears to have the biggest impact on life expectancy. But shorter walks, like taking the stairs or parking further away from stores and businesses, help too, especially if you get your heart rate up. These short walks might help older adults, and older women in particular, who often struggle to perform long, structured exercise sessions. So any way you can, try to get physical activity throughout your day.