The Benefits of Climbing Stairs for a Longer Life

Study Shows Climbing Stairs Can Prolong Your Life

New research presented at the ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024 congress suggests that taking the stairs instead of the elevator could significantly reduce the risk of dying from any cause, particularly cardiovascular disease.

A meta-analysis of nine studies involving nearly half a million participants found that those who regularly climbed stairs had a 24% lower risk of dying during the study period compared to those who did not. Additionally, stair climbers had a 39% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a reduced overall risk of developing heart-related issues.

Dr. Sophie Paddock, a study author from the University of East Anglia, emphasized the importance of incorporating brief bouts of physical activity like stair climbing into daily routines. She highlighted the dual benefits of stair climbing, which combines cardiovascular and resistance exercise.

Experts believe that stair climbing is an effective form of exercise due to its ability to engage multiple muscle groups, improve cardiorespiratory fitness, and promote balance and mobility. Dr. Eric J Hegedus, an orthopaedic specialist, noted that stair climbing increases heart rate more than level walking and can have significant health benefits.

While the study suggests that the cardiovascular benefits of stair climbing may increase with greater frequency, more research is needed to confirm this correlation. In the meantime, experts recommend starting small and gradually increasing the frequency and duration of stair climbing sessions to improve overall health and longevity.