Franco, O.H., de Laet, C., Peeters, A., Jonker, J., Mackenbach, J., & Nusselder, W. (2005). Effects of physical activity on life expectancy with cardiovascular disease. Archives of Internal Medicine, 165(20), 2355-2360.

The authors aimed to study the effects of varying levels of physical activity on life expectancy for those older than 50 years of age, with and without heart disease.

Multistate life tables were developed from the Framingham Heart Study to determine the effects of 3 levels of physical activity (low, moderate, high) for those over age 50. Results showed that moderate and high physical activity led to higher life expectancy and more years lived free of cardiovascular disease. Pursuing an active life as an older adult prevents cardiovascular disease and serves to improve life expectancy.