Dori Rosenberg, PhD, MPH, a senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of standing and moving more throughout the day to improve health. Rosenberg’s research team conducted a clinical trial involving older adults and found that reducing daily sitting time by about 30 minutes resulted in better blood pressure measurements, which could lower health risks.
To help people decrease their sitting time, Rosenberg offers tips such as standing during activities that are typically done sitting, setting up a standing desk, and incorporating standing into daily habits like talking on the phone or watching TV. Changing TV habits by standing, stretching, or doing household chores while watching TV can also help decrease sitting time. Incorporating small bits of standing and walking throughout the day, such as taking short walks after meals or parking farther away when running errands, can all contribute to reducing overall sitting time and improving health. Making these simple changes to incorporate more standing and movement into daily routines can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.