A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä has found that maintaining regular leisure-time physical activity from a young age can help prevent a decline in work ability towards the end of one’s career. The findings carry substantial societal relevance, as reduced work ability is associated with significant productivity losses, costing economies billions of euros each year. By highlighting the long-term benefits of sustained physical activity, the research adds weight to the argument that lifestyle habits formed early in life can have far-reaching implications for both individuals and society.
The study drew on extensive longitudinal data from the LISE study, which has tracked the same group of participants over a remarkable 45-year period. Researchers measured participants’ leisure-time physical activity at three distinct life stages: during school years (ages 10–19), mid-adulthood (ages 35–44), and later adulthood (ages 55–64). Using these repeated measurements, they constructed an overall picture of lifetime physical activity and analysed how it relates to work ability in later life.
The results reveal a clear and consistent association between an active lifestyle and sustained work ability across the lifespan. Individuals who engaged in higher levels of leisure-time physical activity throughout their lives demonstrated better work ability in late adulthood. Importantly, each of the three measurement periods contributed meaningfully to both overall activity levels and eventual work outcomes, underscoring the cumulative impact of physical activity over time.
In addition, the study found that meeting physical activity recommendations in later adulthood was associated with further improvements in work ability, following a dose–response pattern. This means that greater adherence to recommended activity levels corresponded with progressively better outcomes. Such findings reinforce the idea that it is never too late to benefit from physical activity, even though early-life habits remain particularly influential.
A key strength of the research lies in its use of repeated, long-term measurements, which allows for a more robust understanding of causality. Earlier studies often assessed physical activity and work ability at the same point in time, making it difficult to determine whether reduced activity led to poorer work ability or vice versa. As noted by Perttu Laakso, health problems that diminish work ability can also discourage physical activity, creating a risk of reverse causation. By following participants over decades, this study provides stronger evidence that physical activity itself plays a causal role in maintaining work ability.
The findings also emphasise the importance of promoting physical activity during childhood and adolescence. Evidence from previous research suggests that habits established early in life are likely to persist into adulthood, shaping long-term health and behavioural patterns. Encouraging young people to adopt active lifestyles may therefore yield benefits that extend well beyond immediate health outcomes, influencing their ability to remain productive and engaged in the workforce later in life.
From an economic perspective, the implications are considerable. Investing in physical activity among young people can be viewed as a strategic approach to building a healthier, more productive future workforce. Strengthening school-based physical education programmes offers a practical means of reaching entire age groups, while ensuring that organised sports and recreational opportunities are accessible to children from all socioeconomic backgrounds can further support equitable participation. Such investments not only promote individual well-being but also contribute to broader societal and economic resilience.
More information: Perttu Laakso et al, Association of leisure-time physical activity at different phases of life with work ability at the end of working life: a Finland-representative 45-year prospective cohort study, British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110339
Journal information: British Journal of Sports Medicine Provided by University of Jyväskylä – Jyväskylän yliopisto
