Prolonged sitting significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in people over 60 years old—even if they meet weekly physical activity guidelines.
An international review published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health (JPAH) found that prolonged sitting significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in people over 60 years old—even if they meet weekly physical activity guidelines.
The analysis of 28 studies involving 82,000 older adults revealed a consistent link between sitting time and deterioration in key metabolic indicators: elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increased waist circumference, and rising blood pressure.
According to the authors, many older adults spend up to 80 percent of their waking hours sitting, which goes unnoticed but accumulates cardiometabolic risks daily. It is particularly concerning that the negative effect is observed even in seemingly healthy individuals who do not yet have diagnoses.
Experts emphasize that physical activity alone is not enough. To truly reduce risks, it is important to decrease prolonged periods of inactivity—standing during phone calls, breaking up TV watching with short walks, and adding light household chores.
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