Sport protects against diseases – and thus prolongs life. A new study emphasizes this again. The researchers examined seven types of sport and determined which are most likely to prevent older people from dying prematurely.

Most people move too little. On the other hand, those who do sports minimize their risk of diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular problems. As a result, athletes can extend their lives even in old age, a new study has found. But which sport is the best for this? Researchers at the US National Cancer Institute have now compared seven different sports. They published their results in the journal Jama.

They analyzed the data of around 270,000 adults between the ages of 59 and 82. They had filled out questionnaires about their leisure activities as part of a large health study by the National Institutes of Health. Among them were

associated with a lower risk of death. In general, all seven types of sport provided more protection against cardiovascular death than cancer death.

The participants saved the most

from premature death caused by cardiovascular disease.

This study is an observational study. Accordingly, external factors that trigger the low risk of death cannot be completely ruled out. However, the researchers were able to use their methods to rule out numerous other factors. Accordingly, among other things, played

not matter.

In the US, adults are recommended every week

exercise. According to the study, those who kept to this workload reduced their risk of premature death by 13 percent.

Just a few weeks ago, researchers published a study in which they determined what level of exercise can reduce the risk of death. In the analysis published in the journal “Circulation”, around 100,000 subjects were followed over a period of more than 30 years. In doing so, they completed the aforementioned US Department of Health and Human Services exercise recommendations.

All subjects who were moderately active for an average of 150 to 300 minutes – i.e. 2.5 to 6 hours – were able to demonstrably reduce their general mortality risk. It is therefore recommended to exercise for at least 2.5 hours per week – it is up to you whether you exercise 5 times a week for 30 minutes or less frequently but longer. But it shouldn’t be more than six hours.