1. World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. Geneva: WHO; 2020.

2. UK Chief Medical Officers. Physical Activity Guidelines. Department of Health and Social Care; 2019, updated 2020.

3. Treacy D, et al. Mobility training for increasing mobility and functioning in older people with frailty. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2022.

4. Momma H, et al. Muscle-strengthening activities and risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, diabetes and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022;56:755–763.

5. Yu R, et al. Physical activity trajectories and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025.

6. NHS. Exercise and physical activity guidance for adults and older adults.

Evidence note: population studies can show associations between activity and longer life but cannot guarantee that exercise will extend an individual’s lifespan. Clinical trials provide stronger evidence for improvements in strength, fitness, mobility, balance and quality of life.

References and evidence sources

Website disclaimer

This information is for general education and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new weakness or numbness, or a serious injury. People with unstable medical conditions or recent surgery should obtain individual advice before starting or intensifying exercise.

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