Does climbing stairs daily contribute to a longer lifespan?

A recent study presented at the Preventive Cardiology meeting of the European Society of Cardiology has revealed the surprising health benefits of something as simple as climbing stairs. Dr Sophie Paddock and her team at the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust conducted a meta-analysis of nine studies involving over 480,000 participants, both healthy individuals and those with a history of heart disease.

The results were astonishing – stair climbing was associated with a 24% reduced risk of dying from any cause and a 39% lower likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, regular stair climbing also reduces the risk of specific cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.

Dr Paddock emphasizes that even short bursts of activity, like climbing stairs, can significantly reduce the risk of premature death. Incorporating stair climbing into daily routines is an achievable goal with substantial health benefits.

The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Small changes like choosing to use the stairs over the lift can make a significant difference in cardiovascular health and increase life expectancy.

So, next time you’re faced with the choice between the stairs and the elevator, remember that a few extra steps could lead to a longer, healthier life.