People who live to be 100 all practice this sport, study finds

What if sport was the key to living a long and healthy life? The American media Health.com spotted a new study in which many centenarians are questioned about their habits to stay healthy. Among them, we find obvious elements such as a balanced diet, practicing activities that reduce stress such as meditation or even doing regular cardiovascular activity. Together, these habits work to reduce inflammation, preserve mobility, and support physical and mental health. But another ritual, a little less obvious and yet excellent for the body, often comes up in the list of centenaries.

Particularly recommended, this physical activity helps maintain muscle mass which, remember, begins to decrease from the age of thirty, particularly in women. A phenomenon that accelerates as time passes due to hormonal upheavals. Thus, 46% of the centenarians surveyed revealed that they practiced bodybuilding. It can help offset this decline and increase life expectancy. “Staying active keeps my heart strong, my mind sharp, my body moving, my morale high and my health stable on a daily basis.“, confided one of the people surveyed. Still according to Health.com, a 2022 study reveals that people over 65 who practice weight training at least twice a week have a lower risk of mortality than those who train less. But that’s not all: muscle strengthening helps prevent fractures and falls, regulate blood sugar and metabolism. In short, many advantages.

Finally, 42% of centenarians also revealed that they walk enough every day, or even go hiking very regularly. Others also responded that gardening helps them stay active in addition to exposing them to the great outdoors. Be careful, genetics also factor into the equation. But stable physical health contributes greatly to living longer.

The healthy habits mentioned in the survey can boost longevity by mitigating factors that cause aging such as chronic inflammation, muscle loss and stress. So grab your dumbbells.