A new study by the World Health Organization has shown that older Australians could add up to 8 years on the their life expectancy simply by getting physically active.

The study of 17,000 adults tracked over a 31 year period showed four key risk factors for a low life expectancy, being physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet and alcohol use. The results concluded that for an average 65 year old with none of the risk factors above, the probability of staying alive the next 8-10 years was 86% for men and 90% for women. In comparison, an average 65 year old with all 4 risk factors had a 67% chance for men and 77% chance for women chance in surviving.

So, by just getting of the couch and by taking a little more care in your general lifestyle choices, the odds can be in your favor!