A landmark 25-year study from the Copenhagen City Heart Study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, has revealed that not all exercises are created equal when it comes to longevity.
Researchers tracked 8,577 adults over two decades to see how different leisure activities influenced lifespan. The findings were striking — some sports were linked to dramatically higher life expectancy gains than others.
Ranked by Life Expectancy Gain
Compared with sedentary individuals, average years added were:
- 🎾 Tennis — +9.7 years
- 🏸 Badminton — +6.2 years
- ⚽ Soccer — +4.7 years
- 🚴 Cycling — +3.7 years
- 🏊 Swimming — +3.4 years
- 🏃 Jogging — +3.2 years
- 🤸 Calisthenics — +3.1 years
- 🏋️ Health club workouts — +1.5 years
What Makes the Difference?
Interestingly, the sports that involve social connection—like tennis, badminton, and soccer—offered the greatest longevity benefits. The researchers suggest that community, teamwork, and friendship may be just as life-extending as the physical exertion itself.
Dr. Peter Schnohr, lead author of the study, observed:
“Sports with more social interaction were associated with the best longevity—a finding that warrants further investigation.”
Social engagement lowers stress, releases endorphins, and creates accountability — all crucial factors for sticking to long-term exercise habits.
Choosing the Right Exercise for You
Different people thrive on different motivations and lifestyles. Here’s how to choose: For the Social Butterfly
For the Social Butterfly
Try Tennis, Badminton, or Pickleball.
If you enjoy competition and conversation, racquet sports provide a physical challenge and a built-in community. They’re excellent for cardiovascular health, agility, and coordination — all while keeping your mind sharp.
For the Independent Spirit
Go for Jogging, Cycling, or Swimming.
These are perfect for those who value solitude or flexibility. They can be meditative, helping clear your mind while improving endurance. Just remember: consistency and moderate intensity matter more than speed.
For the Wellness Seeker
Consider Yoga, Calisthenics, or Low-Impact Fitness.
While these ranked lower in life-extension, they excel in maintaining mobility, muscle tone, and stress management — particularly vital as we age.
For the Gym-Goer
Strength training and gym workouts build muscle mass, which protects against frailty and metabolic decline. However, the study suggests that doing only gym workouts might miss out on the social and playful dimensions that enhance overall well-being.
The Takeaway
The science is clear: movement extends life — but connection amplifies it.
The most effective workout is one you enjoy, share, and sustain. Whether you’re chasing a ball, pedaling through a park, or diving into a pool, it’s not just your body that benefits — your heart and mind do too.
As Dr. James O’Keefe, co-author, once said in an interview:
“The best exercise routine is the one that makes you smile — and keeps you coming back.”
Original Article Link: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30538-X/abstract
Various Leisure-Time Physical Activities Associated With Widely Divergent Life Expectancies: The Copenhagen City Heart Study
Peter Schnohr, MD, DMSca peter@schnohr.dk ∙ James H. O’Keefe, MDb ∙ Andreas Holtermann, PhDc ∙ Carl J. Lavie, MDd ∙ Peter Lange, MD, DMSca,e,f ∙ Gorm Boje Jensen, MD, DMSca ∙ Jacob Louis Marott, MSca
Publication History:
Published online September 4, 2018
Footnotes:
Grant Support: The study was supported by the Danish Heart Foundation.
Potential Competing Interests: The authors report no competing interests.
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.06.025 External Link
Also available on ScienceDirect External Link
Copyright: © 2018 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
