New research by Vitality and the London School of Economics shows that walking at least 5 000 steps three times a week is a milestone habit that, when maintained for two years, can add up to three years to a previously inactive individual’s life expectancy and reduce their healthcare costs by up to 13%.
As countries around the world deal with the strain of rising disease risks and treatment costs, the Habit Index research sheds light on the small changes that people can make to improve their health and the significant impact that habitual physical activity could have to make global health systems more resilient and sustainable.
The research analysed the impact of forming and sustaining a physical activity habit on an individuals’ risks of developing type 2 diabetes and severe cancer. Forming and sustaining a habit of physical activity for three days a week was also associated with a 10% reduction in in-hospital healthcare costs, and a 13% reduction when sustaining an average of more than three days of physical activity in a week for two years.
The Habit Index sheds light on the science of habit formation to understand how strong exercise habits can be built and health improved. Findings suggest that it is frequency and consistency of physical activity, rather than the intensity, that has the most health benefits. The Habit Index findings demonstrate that habit formation can unlock significant cost savings and increased life expectancy, yet currently less than 5% of healthcare spending goes towards preventive healthcare services. Renewed focus on prevention, coupled with this scientific understanding of how to form and sustain habits will help people live longer, healthier lives.
Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)
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