A study conducted by Dori Rosenberg, PhD, MPH, a senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, has shown that too much sitting can be linked to an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of standing and moving more throughout the day to improve health, regardless of age or ability.
To help people reduce their sitting time, Rosenberg offers tips such as standing during activities that are typically done sitting, setting up a standing desk, and incorporating standing into daily habits like talking on the phone or watching TV. Additionally, changing TV habits by standing or stretching while watching TV can also help decrease sitting time. Incorporating small bits of standing and walking throughout the day can also contribute to reducing overall sitting time and improving health.
Rosenberg’s research team conducted a clinical trial involving older adults and found that reducing daily sitting time by about 30 minutes resulted in better blood pressure measurements. This could lower overall health risks and improve well-being. Making simple changes to incorporate more standing and movement into daily routines can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.