WHY SITTING DOWN CAN BE BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH
SITTING for long periods can age older women by almost a decade and put them at greater risk of deadly diseases, scientists say.
Women who do little exercise and spend 10 hours or more a day in a chair have cells that are biologically much older, according to research.
Scientists looked at “caps” at the end of chromosomes known as telomeres.
The telomeres protect the DNA strands in cells and allow cells to divide and reproduce but they shorten and fray with age and are associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Dr Aladdin Shadyab, of California University in San Diego, said: “Our study found cells age faster with a sedentary lifestyle.
“Chronological age doesn’t always match biological age.” Doctors have long warned of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, with the average Briton spending nine hours a day seated at work, while driving or on the sofa.
The US study of 1,500 women aged 64 to 95 found those who managed less than 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity each day and who sat for more than 10 hours had shorter telomeres.
The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found telomeres naturally shorten as cells age but unhealthy lifestyles may accelerate the process.
Dr Shadyab said: “We found women who sat longer did not have shorter telomere length if they exercised for at least 30 minutes a day, the national recommended guideline. Discussions about the benefits of exercise should start when we are young and physical activity should continue to be part of our daily lives as we get older – even at 80 years old.”
Remco Polman, Professor of Psychology at Bournemouth University, said: “It is really important for all of us to get up from our couch or office chair and walk around on a regular basis and counteract the negative consequences of sitting too long in one go.
“This is also true for those who might engage in regular sport or exercise.”
Dr Carolyn Greig, lecturer in nutrition and ageing at the University of Birmingham, added: “Older adults spend more time sedentary than any other age group... we must step up our efforts to combat this.”