Shopping prolongs life

Shopping can help you live longer, according to research carried out in Taiwan. The study shows that men and women who went shopping every day lived longer than those who just shopped once a week.

The team of researchers in Taiwan studied more than 2,000 men and women over 65 who lived independently in their own homes. They discovered that those who went shopping every day were 27% less likely to die than those who shopped less frequently.

The scientists do not believe it is the act of shopping itself that prolongs life, but rather that going to the stores provides social interaction, exercise and the possibility to maintain a healthy diet. They say that people often go shopping for pleasure, which can improve their psychological health. Also, shopping doesn't require discipline, motivation or professional instructors as some other physical activities do, like going to the gym or doing exercise classes.

A leading UK expert commented: “Going shopping involves physical exercise and interaction with other shoppers. It is a complex activity and can help to keep older people mentally active. It makes sense that it could be a good way to predict better psychological and physical health.”