Staff stuck at desks sit down even more than the over-75s

ACHING joints and failing mobility can force many of us into a more sedentary existence as time rolls by.

But it seems the elderly are not the worst for spending too long sitting down.

Researchers have found that the middle-aged work such long hours that they spend even more time sitting than over-75s.

Middle- aged men spend nearly half an hour longer seated every weekday, while working women under 45 sit for only six minutes less than elderly people, including those in nursing homes.

The findings in the Edinburgh University report raise fresh concerns over sedentary lifestyles, which put people at risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and early death.

Lead author Tessa Strain said: ‘We do have this belief that sitting for long periods is a problem for pensioners.

But most people do not realise how much time they are also spending sitting down, especially office workers …

‘Older people might spend hours of uninterrupted time sitting, but younger people, while they might get up more often, are off their feet for around the same time.

‘Large parts of the population are dangerously sedentary, something we have underestimated.’

Previous studies on sitting have looked at leisure time, such as hours in front of the TV or eating.

The first study to look at work using national health survey data found all men, except those aged 16- 24, spend more time sitting on weekdays than over-75s. The average for men aged 45-54 is seven hours and 48 minutes, which is 24 minutes longer than the elderly group. Women aged 75 and over sit for seven hours and 24 minutes on an average weekday.

But working women aged 2544 are off their feet almost as long – seven hours and 18 minutes. They are closely followed by those aged 45-54, who sit for an average of six hours and 54 minutes.

The study of more than 14,000, published in the Jour- nal of Sports Sciences, show the demands of working life are to blame for up to 45 per cent of the time spent sitting.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘It is surprising we are spending up to eight hours a day sedentary, half of which is a result of being sat down at work. ‘This is putting people at risk of being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, the cause of more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK.’

The gender difference in the data, from the 2012-2014 Scottish Health Survey, may arise as women spend more time on their feet caring for children.

Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: ‘Office habits do need to change, and though standing desks may not be everyone’s cup of tea, savvy employers are installing them for their staff who know that working on their feet actually benefits their health.

‘Other knowing bosses are electing to ration emailing in the office so that the deskbound have to get up and walk to talk to their colleagues.

‘No one should be required to sit at a desk for more than 40 minutes.’

‘Dangerously sedentary’