The relationship of changes in level of physical activity after middle-age to total mortality and how such changes compare to smoking cessation were examined in a cohort of 2,205 men followed for more than 35 years. The absolute mortality rate was 27.1, 23.6 and 18.4 per 1,000 person years in men with low, medium and high physical activity levels, respectively. The relative risk reduction attributable to a high level of physical activity was 32% compared to low activity and 22% compared to medium activity. After 10 years of follow-up, the mortality rate did not differ between men who increased their physical activity level and men who did not change their high physical activity level. Finally, the reduction in mortality rate associated with an increase in physical activity was similar to that of smoking cessation.
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