Gaby
An international team of researchers has introduced a new recipe for longevity called VILPA, which stands for “Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity.”
These short bursts of physical activity are familiar to everyone. It turns out that activities like brisk walking, climbing stairs, carrying a backpack or shopping bags, cleaning the house, gardening, and playing with your dog significantly reduce the risk of death. Just 1-2 minutes of activity, done 3-4 times a day, is enough.
No one is surprised to hear about the health benefits of exercise. However, the potential of daily movement—especially actions that are part of everyday life—has been underestimated until recently, according to Emmanuel Stamatakis, the lead author of the study from the University of Sydney.
His team analyzed the physical activity data of 25,241 volunteers of both genders (tracked using wrist monitors). The average age of participants was around 62 years, and none of them were regular exercisers.
Over nearly seven years of research, 852 participants passed away. Observations showed that those volunteers who engaged in intermittent vigorous activity had a significantly lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases and other causes.
The researchers found that just three one- to two-minute sessions of VILPA per day guarantee nearly a 50% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases and a 40% reduction from other causes, including cancer.
Thus, intense physical activity is incredibly effective, especially when it is intermittent, repeated, and regular, Stamatakis noted.
The researchers were pleased to discover that participants were unaware of how much their daily actions were linked to high-intensity physical activity.
According to Stamatakis, most middle-aged and older adults—between 70 to 80 percent—do not engage in regular exercise. Therefore, those who do not recognize such activities can significantly lower their mortality risk through VILPA, as reported by Newsweek.
Scientists believe it is extremely challenging to motivate people to change their habits. Instead, VILPA offers an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Just a few minutes several times a day can make a difference. The more frequent and intense the activity, the better.
Researchers assert that VILPA has practical advantages over traditional exercise. Intermittent household physical activity requires minimal time investment, does not need special clothing, trips to a gym, or the purchase of equipment. These short bursts of activity are completely free.
