According to 2018 WHO statistics, Life expectancy in Nigeria currently stands at Male 54.7 and Female 55.7 which gives a total of 55.2 and world rating of 178. While this is a mild improvement from the low figures recorded from 2010 to 2016, a lot still needs to be done to ensure that persons living in Nigeria and Nigerians, in general, live longer.

The report also stated the prime causes of death in the country-half of which were common diseases, age-related illnesses, and terminal health conditions. While accidents and non-health related causes made up the rest.

Illnesses and health failings have always been a part of human existence and since they cannot be totally avoided, individuals can device means to slow down their effects and time of manifestation in their bodies. And there is no better way to achieve this than to live a healthy life and put in more hours of exercise.

In fact, a recent study by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Ohio showed that improved cardiorespiratory fitness can lead to living a longer life, and aerobic exercises have limitless benefits. The findings of the research have been published in the Journal of American Medical Association Network Open October 2018.

The researchers closely monitored 122,007 patients who underwent treadmill exercises at the Cleveland Clinic between Jan. 1, 1991 and Dec. 31, 2014 to monitor all-cause mortality as relating to the benefit of exercise and physical fitness. The study discovered that increased cardiorespiratory fitness was directly associated with reduced mortality in the long-term, with the benefits of aerobic fitness deemed limitless.

Extreme level of aerobic fitness triggered the greatest benefit particularly in older patients and those already exhibiting symptoms of hypertension.

“Aerobic fitness is something that most patients can control. And we found in our study there is no limit to how much exercise is too much," said Wael Jaber, M.D., Cleveland Clinic cardiologist and senior author of the study. "Everyone should be encouraged to achieve and maintain high fitness levels."

Aerobic fitness and exercises have long been associated with improved health and it is quite clear now that being consistent with hitting the gym every now and then can actually elongate human lifespan.

Life expectancy in any part of the world can be influenced by a lot of factors and it is not different in Nigeria. Individuals, however, can take their responsibility for their lives and try everything it takes to live a long and healthy life.

Regular exercise and adopting a series of aerobic fitness routines daily are sure ways to make this happen. 

So get your tracks suits and racing boots ready, it’s time to get fit!

WHO

ClevelandClinicJournals