Body size may influence lifespan in women more than men

Some 433 men (16.7 per cent) and 944 women (34.4 per cent) survived to the age of 90. The study found that women who were still alive by the age of 90 were, on average taller, had weighed less at the start of the study, and had put on less weight since the age of 20 than those who were shorter and heavier.

The study also found that women, who were more than 5 feet 9 inches tall, were 31 per cent more likely to reach than women who were less than 5 feet 3 inches in height. However, no such associations were seen among the men.

When it came to physical activity, men who were active for over 90 minutes a day were 39 per cent more likely to reach 90 than those who did less than 30 minutes and every extra 30 minutes of daily physical activity they were involved in was associated with a 5 per cent increase in their chances of turning 90.

However, the study found that this was not the case for women. Those who were active for more than 30-60 minutes a day were 21 per cent more likely to reach 90 than those managing 30 minutes or less.

Notably, there seemed to be an optimal threshold for women, with 60 minutes of activity being associated with the best chance of their celebrating a 90th birthday.

The study researchers, however, said that it is an observational study and therefore can't establish cause. Furthermore, body size and physical activity were volunteered rather than objectively measured, which might have affected the results.

The researchers point out that the findings are based on a large number of people of similar age, which strengthens the results. They add that their study is one of only a few to differentiate lifestyle factors potentially associated with long life between men and women.

source: timesnownews.com

TAGS : body size may influence lifespan in women more than men, body size may influence lifespan in women, not men, women health, lifespan, new research, study, ifairer