Regular shoppers may enjoy the benefit of prolonging their lives, researchers suggested today.
A new study has found that elderly people who shop daily may reduce their chances of dying by more than a quarter.
The findings come from a study of some 1,850 people over the age of 65 in Taiwan.
Writing in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the researchers say daily shopping may ensure people get regular exercise – and also help them meet a need for companionship.
It may also mean that people are getting a good supply of food, they say.
During the analysis, the researchers sought to take account of the impact of disability and poor health on the likelihood that someone could go shopping every day.
Dr Yu-Hung Chang, of the National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan, said: "Shopping captures several dimensions of personal wellbeing, health, and security as well as contributing to the community’s cohesiveness and economy, and may represent or actually confer increased longevity."
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health April 7 2012 doi 10.1136/jech.2010.126698
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