Let’s get one thing clear: staying active and moving your body is essential, especially as we age. The problem comes when we think standing alone is a fix for the harmful effects of sitting all day.
While it’s true that sitting for extended periods—10 hours or more a day—has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, simply standing more might not be the answer.
According to this new study, spending too much time on your feet can increase your risk of developing orthostatic circulatory diseases. These include issues like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood pools in your legs instead of circulating properly.
The researchers found that after standing for more than two hours a day, the risk of circulatory issues rose by 11% for every additional 30 minutes of standing. That's a red flag for seniors, who are already at higher risk for these conditions due to age-related circulatory changes.
The lesson? Balance is key. While sitting for too long can harm your heart, standing still for too long isn’t the fix.
The best way to boost heart health and lower your risk of circulatory issues is to keep moving. Think about incorporating light activities into your day. A short walk, climbing the stairs, or even light stretching can work wonders for your circulation.
And if you’re standing, make sure to shift positions, walk around, or add in small movements to keep the blood flowing.
If you’ve been sitting for a while, take a break! Aim to get up at least once every hour to stretch or walk around. Sitting for prolonged periods can increase your risk of heart disease by 15% for every additional hour after 10 hours of sitting.
Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around the block or some light housework, staying active is the most effective way to keep your heart strong. For seniors, it’s especially important to find activities that are enjoyable and manageable, like gardening or even gentle chair exercises.
If you want to protect your heart health, it’s all about mixing standing with regular physical activity and taking frequent breaks from sitting.
It’s not just about being upright—it’s about getting yourself moving in ways that support overall health.
So, take that walk around the block, stretch your legs, and keep your heart in good shape.
To heart-healthy living,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Click here to read the “sedentary trick” to SPEED UP weight loss.
Sources:
Pelc, C. (2024, October 21). Can standing too much be harmful to heart health? Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-standing-too-much-harmful-heart-health-sitting#How-much-standing-is-optimal-for-health
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