Part 5/8:
Physical Activity and Mobility
The active lifestyle of older Tsimane is another vital component of their longevity. On average, elders like Juan Gutierrez take approximately 17,000 steps each day—far exceeding the average of 6,000 steps in Europe. This level of physical activity significantly reduces muscle atrophy and supports cardiovascular and cognitive function, leading to a 70% decrease in muscle loss compared to peers in more industrialized nations.
Moreover, researchers have found that the cognitive decline among the Tsimane is notably slower, at a rate 40% less severe than that of individuals from developed countries. This means conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease are far less common among the Tsimane elders.