That everyday "to-do" list of chores and errands may offer powerful health benefits, according to researchers at the University of California. Their study of 6,000 women aged 65 to 99—tracked for up to 4.5 years—found that regular light physical activity significantly lowered mortality risk. Participants wore hip accelerometers for seven days to measure routine movements. Results showed 30 minutes of light activity daily reduced risk by 12%, while an extra 30 minutes of moderate activity like leisurely cycling or brisk walking cut it by 39%.
These benefits applied across all subgroups, including diverse ethnic backgrounds, obese and non-obese women, those with varying functional abilities, and women under and over 80.
