Physical activity improves work ability: A lifelong influence from childhood to the end of career

The study utilised valuable longitudinal data from the LISE study, which has followed the same participants for 45 years. Participant’s leisure-time physical activity was measured at school age (ages 10–19), mid-adulthood (ages 35–44) and late adulthood (ages 55–64). Based on these measurements, researchers defined a lifetime leisure-time physical activity level and examined its association with work ability in late adulthood. 

The link between an active lifestyle and work ability persists throughout life

Higher levels of leisure-time physical activity throughout the life course were clearly linked to better work ability. All three activity measurements, spread across the lifespan, contributed significantly to both lifetime activity level and work ability. In addition, adherence to physical activity recommendations in late adulthood showed a dose-response association with improved work ability.

By utilising repeated measurements, the study demonstrates that regular leisure-time physical activity promotes work ability later in life. Previously, this link could not be conclusively verified.

“In previous studies, physical activity and work ability have been measured at the same point in time, or nearly so, which creates a risk of reverse causality,” says postdoctoral researcher Perttu Laakso from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. “This is because health problems that reduce work ability can also lead to a decrease in physical activity.” 

Investing in young people’s physical activity is economically profitable

The research underlines the importance of physical activity in childhood and adolescence, as previous studies show that individuals tend to maintain physical activity habits adopted at a young age into adulthood.

“From an economic perspective, prioritizing physical activity among young people is essential,” says Laakso. “This is an investment in a healthy and productive future workforce.”

Laakso would allocate resources to developing and strengthening school physical education, as it reaches entire age cohorts. Furthermore, making youth sports accessible to children from all economic backgrounds would be a wise investment.  

Original publication:

Laakso et al. 2026. 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

Further information:

Perttu Laakso, Postdoctoral Researcher 
University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences 
perttu.t.t.laakso@jyu.fi