Staying Healthy

Easy-does-it jogging may lead to a longer life

h0515k16207252078904To live longer, going for a leisurely jog just a few times a week seems to be a good strategy, according to a study in the February 2015 Journal of theAmerican College of Cardiology.

For the study, Danish researchers tracked about 1,500 healthy people for 12 years. They found that people who jogged two to three times a week at a pace of about 5 mph (defined as "light joggers") were less likely to die during the study than sedentary nonjoggers. The light joggers, who logged between one and 2.5 hours of jogging per week, also had lower death rates than moderate and strenuous joggers. However, only a small number of the vigorous exercisers died during the study, which means the findings do not provide proof that moderate or strenuous exercise is harmful. Still, the results are heartening for those who can't find the time or stamina to run faster and more often than the modest amounts achieved by the light joggers in this study. 

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

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.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.