(2017-11-27) Seniors Leaving The House Daily May Help You Live Longer

Seniors, leaving the house daily may help you live longer. New research finds that older people who leave their homes every day are likelier to live longer than those who remain indoors, regardless of their health status or functional capacity.

According to a 2015 studyTrusted Source, approximately 2 million older adults in the United States never or rarely leave their homes, primarily due to functional difficulties.

Not only does this have implications for their physical health — due to lack of exercise, for example — but it can harm their psychological health, too. ResearchTrusted Source has shown that those who are confined to their homes are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.

What is interesting is that the improved survival associated with getting out of the house frequently was also observed among people with low levels of physical activity, and even those with impaired mobility,” says Dr. Jacobs. “Resilient individuals remain engaged, irrespective of their physical limitations.”

While the precise reasons behind these findings were not explored in the study, the scientists note that getting out of the house frequently gives older adults the chance to engage with the outside world.

going outdoors provides greater opportunity for social interaction