Regular participation in physical activity can increase life expectancy through multiple mechanisms and health benefits:

• Reduction of Major Mortality Risk Factors: Physical activity helps lower the risk of arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. By improving these health conditions, physical activity reduces the likelihood of premature death

• Lower All-Cause Mortality: Studies show that physically active individuals have about a 30% to 35% lower risk of death from all causes compared to inactive people. This translates into an increase in life expectancy ranging from approximately 0.4 to 7 years, with many studies converging on a conservative estimate of 2 to 4 additional years of life for those regularly active

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces resting heart rate, all of which contribute to better heart health and longevity

• Enhanced Metabolism and Immune Function: Regular activity boosts metabolism and strengthens the immune system, helping the body resist diseases and recover more effectively

• Mental Health Benefits: Exercise reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, which are linked to chronic diseases and mortality risk. Better mental health contributes to a higher quality of life and potentially longer lifespan

• Increased Disability-Free Years: Physical activity not only extends life but also increases the number of years lived without disability, meaning more healthy and independent years in old age

• Dose-Response Relationship: Greater amounts of physical activity, including vigorous exercise beyond minimum recommendations, are associated with even lower mortality risk and longer life expectancy

• Population Impact: Modeling studies suggest that if less active populations increased their physical activity to levels of the most active quartile, life expectancy could increase by about 5 years on average, highlighting the significant public health potential of promoting physical activity

In summary, regular physical activity improves cardiovascular and metabolic health, reduces risk factors for chronic diseases, enhances mental well-being, and leads to longer, healthier lives by adding several years to life expectancy and increasing the quality of those years