Long-term participation in physical activity may be important to lower mortality risk, while becoming physically active later in adulthood may provide comparable health benefits. This according to a prospective cohort study with data analyzed for 315,059 adult AAPR members living in 6 states or 2 metropolitan areas (Atlanta or Detroit). Interventions included self-reported leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) hours per week at the baseline interview for ages grouped as 15‒18, 19‒29, 35‒39, and 40‒61 years. Primary outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related, and cancer-related mortality. Researchers found:

• 58.2% of participants were men, and participants were aged 50‒71 years at enrollment.

• Maintaining physical activity from adolescence into later adulthood was associated with 29% to 36% lower risk for all-cause mortality.
• Being inactive but increasing physical activity during midlife was associated with 32% to 35% lower risk for mortality.