A new study involving 1,500 individuals suggests that excessive time spent sitting down may accelerate aging.

The researchers said that people who sit down for more than 10 hours every day and spend less than 40 minutes engaging in physical activities could have their bodies age eight years older. The movement of individuals aged between 64 and 95 was monitored using a device attached to their hip for seven days. A questionnaire was also distributed to complete the assessment.

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The study discovered that people who spend less time on moderate body work outs have shorter telomeres which are linked to aging. Telomeres shorten as a person becomes older. However, factors such as smoking and obesity also contributes. "People don't realize that if you sit down all day it can undermine all the exercise you do," said Professor James Goodwin.

Dr. Aladdin Sahdyab said that their research "found cells age faster with a sedentary lifestyle." He added that "chronological age doesn't always match biological age."

The research aims to alarm the senior population of Britain and encourage them to spend more time doing physical activities and less time sitting down. The scientists recommend that walking or standing every 20 minutes would help to slow down aging. "It could make a big difference to your long-term health, to your risk of chronic illnesses and could help slow down the rate of aging in the body," Goodwin said.

Meanwhile, the UK government recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activities for seniors. Stephen Ward, executive director of UK Active, said, "with health and social care budgets stretched to the limit, it's time to end out love affair with the chair and get people moving again."

Further, the authors noted that "discussions about the benefits of exercise should start when we are young, and physical activity should continue to be part of our daily lives as we get older, even at 80 years old."