Study reveals connection between physical activity and future earnings at University of Oulu in Finland

A recent doctoral study conducted at the University of Oulu reveals that adherence to physical activity recommendations is linked to higher future earnings compared to individuals who engage in less exercise. Furthermore, those who follow these guidelines result in lower costs for society. The research focused on individuals born in 1966 in Northern Finland, gathering extensive data through surveys and measurements.

The study analyzed not only participants’ income levels but also their healthcare costs to society. Findings indicate that normal-weight men adhering to exercise guidelines at ages 31 and 46 utilized fewer primary healthcare and occupational health services than their less active counterparts. The research considered factors like education level, health status, and lifestyle, and these did not eliminate the connections between physical activity and future earnings as well as healthcare costs. Notably, income alone did not influence whether individuals met physical activity recommendations.

The study was conducted by medical graduate and Master of Business Administration Hanna Junttila. “There is little scientifically researched information regarding the economic significance of physical activity. Our results suggest that promoting exercise could yield considerable economic benefits for both individuals and society. From a health economics perspective, investing in physical activity can be viewed as an investment, the results of which manifest not only in health improvements but also in increased productivity and reduced healthcare expenses,” Junttila stated in a university press release.

The research utilized guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends that adults engage in 150-300 minutes of moderate or 75-150 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.