Heart Health
Adding weight lifting to workouts may boost longevity
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H, Former Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter
New evidence suggest that just like heart-pumping aerobic exercise, strength training also may help older adults live longer. But doing both types of exercise is even more beneficial, according to a study published in the November 2022 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The study involved surveys from nearly 100,000 men and women ages 55 to 74. Participants reported the frequency and duration of their exercise, including moderate and vigorous physical activity and weight lifting.
After a median follow-up of nine years, researchers found that weight lifting alone was linked to a 9% to 22% lower risk of dying. Moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise appeared to lower risk by 24% to 34%. But the greatest longevity gains were among people who did both types of exercise; their risk of dying during the follow-up period was 41% to 47% lower compared with people who did no exercise.
Image: © jeffbergen/Getty Images
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H, Former Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
