Longevity

Telegraph, UK -   Harvard experts believe the optimal way to extend life is adding more variety to exercise routines.  They tracked more than 111,000 people over more than 30 years, finding that those with the broadest mix of physical activity had an almost 20 per cent lower risk of early death from all causes.

Walking was the single activity associated with the lowest risk of death – 17 per cent lower for those who did the most walking compared with those who did the least.

Individually, tennis, squash and racquetball were found to cut risk by 15 per cent, rowing by 14 per cent, running or weight training by 13 per cent, jogging by 11 per cent and cycling by 4 per cent. Climbing the stairs regularly was linked to a 10 per cent lower risk.

Those whose lives involved a regular, varied mix of activity saw the best results, with a 19 per cent lower risk of death in total. Meanwhile, risk of death from heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease and other causes was lowered by between 13 per cent and 41 per cent.