How to add five years to your life

Last updated at 14:29 10 May 2006


Want to know how to lengthen your life? Exercise is the answer. Half an hour of "moderate" physical activity a day can give you an extra five years according to the World Health Organisation.

Unconvinced coach potatoes may be persuaded to get active when they discover housework, climbing stairs and walking all count.

"WHO encourages adults to take at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day," a spokesman from the European office of WHO said.

"This includes walking, cycling, playing, housework, climbing stairs as well as sports. Children should take at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day."

WHO estimates inactivity causes two million deaths a year worldwide, and is one of the main causes of the dramatic rise in obesity levels in Europe.

Lazy lifestyle

Modern technology has been blamed for making our lives too laid back and sedentary.

Who's European Director Dr Marc Danzon said: "Encouraging people to be physically active every day has so many health benefits, from reducing the risk of developing certain diseases to becoming obese."

Their suggestions came as government officials from across Europe met in Slovenia to pool ideas on increasing exercise rates.

The conclusion will be part of preparations for a WHO European Ministerial Conference on Counteracting Obesity, to be held in Istanbul in November.

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