Body size, non-occupational physical activity and the chance of reaching longevity in men and women: findings from the Netherlands Cohort Study

Introduction The rising number of obese and/or physically inactive individuals might negatively impact human lifespan. This study assessed the association between height, body mass index (BMI) and nonoccupational physical activity and the likelihood of reaching 90 years of age, in both sexes separately.

Methods Analyses were conducted using data from the Netherlands Cohort Study. Participants born in 19161917 (n=7807) completed a questionnaire in 1986 (at age 68-70 years) and were followed up for vital status information until the age of 90 years (2006-2007). Cox regression analyses were based on 5479 participants with complete data to calculate risk ratios (RRs) of reaching longevity (age 90 years).

Results In women, we observed significant associations between reaching longevity and height (RR: 1.05 per 5 cm increment; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09), BMI at baseline (>= 30vs18.5-<25 kg/m(2); RR: 0.68; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.86) and BMI change since age 20 years (= 8vs0-

Conclusion This study indicates that body size and physical activity are related to the likelihood of reaching 90 years of age and that these associations differ by sex.