A study examined 302 high functioning adults age 70 to 82. They assessed the total amount of energy expended by each person by using a sophisticated “doubly labeled water” technique over a two-week period. They also measured the resting metabolic rate of each individual and the heat generating effects of meals. They followed the people for an average of 6.15 years.
Researchers grouped participants into three categories: high expenditure (>770 kcal/day), medium expenditure (521-770 kcal/day) and low expenditure (<521 kcal/day). Over the course of the study, 55% of the participants died. The energy expenditure levels were associated with a 32% lower risk of death (while controlling for age, sex, race, location, weight, height, body fat and sleep quality).
Conclusion
Energy expenditure was linked to a lower risk of death. The more energy someone expends during a given day (through activities like exercise or chores), the lower his or her risk of death. To take advantage of these findings, be sure your days are filed with activity and vigor: Be active, move around as much as possible and exercise.Source:
Todd M. Manini, PhD; James E. Everhart, MD, MPH; Kushang V. Patel, PhD, MPH; Dale A. Schoeller, PhD; Lisa H. Colbert, PhD; Marjolein Visser, PhD; Frances Tylavsky, PhD; Douglas C. Bauer, MD; Bret H. Goodpaster, PhD; Tamara B. Harris, MD. Daily Activity Energy Expenditure and Mortality Among Older Adults. JAMA. 2006;296:171-179.
