Standing too much can raise the risk of circulatory disease, a new study says. Experts say the key is to 'just move.'

[rembrandt]

Researchers from the University of Sydney wanted to determine if standing was a healthier alternative to sitting, as past studies have suggested. What the team found was that standing more did not reduce a person's risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term. Standing too long could also increase the risk of developing circulatory issues, such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

What's considered too long? Researchers — who analyzed heart condition and circulatory disease data from more than 83,000 adults in the U.K. using smartwatch-style wearables — noted that for every extra 30 minutes spent standing for longer than two hours a day, the risk of circulatory disease increased by 11%.

 

[MarieIG]

I have noticed that my body does not tolerate standing in one place for too long, i.e. I start to feel weak/ faint - but I am ok if I am moving around.

 

[pacergal]

I move around if I find myself sitting or standing more than 1-2 hours at a time.
My back and legs start cramping with either one.

 

[GrayHare]

University of Sydney? They're upside down, so standing for them is like sitting.

With regard to circulation, I would expect standing to be similar to sitting. Both are stationary, whereas movement is what gets circulation flowing.

 

[Focus]

I was always unconvinced by the claimed benefits of standing desks. Similarly, I remember when kneeling chairs were promoted as being better for your back, when in fact they made things worse (a lesson I learned personally). As we grow older, we develop a skeptical mindset and learn to distinguish between what's trendy and what's enduring.

 

[Koolau]

I don't have much ability to stand for any length of time due to spinal stenosis and other issues. I try not to sit too long without at least getting up to move around a little bit. It's tough getting old.

 

[aja8888]

I do a lot of walking but standing is quite boring to me. If I do stand for a long time, I start getting antsy and need to move. I suppose that's a good thing. Sitting is OK, but I can only take so much of that before I need to get up and go do something. Like my Mom used to say, "I must have ants in my pants"!

 

[MichaelB]

This thread reminds me of my brother. When we get together he likes to watch “How it’s Made” on TV and we often comment on scenes where people are working (standing) stationary at assembly line type positions. I cannot imagine having to do that all day long.

 

[Gumby]

I don't have much ability to stand for any length of time due to spinal stenosis and other issues. I try not to sit too long without at least getting up to move around a little bit. It's tough getting old.

Even tougher not getting old.

 

[Car-Guy]

Standing too long could also increase the risk of developing circulatory issues, such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

noted that for every extra 30 minutes spent standing for longer than two hours a day, the risk of circulatory disease increased by 11%.

Just think of the 10's of thousands of dealers in casinos that stand in one place, all day/night, 40+ hours a week, all year long. For years and years.

 

[Healthy Lifestyle]

Hard to believe as I thought standing was good for your muscular structure as we age.

 

[audreyh1]

Hard to believe as I thought standing was good for your muscular structure as we age.

Just not standing still. Movement is important - like walking.

 

[Chuckanut]

Standing without moving about much is tough. Standing and walking even if its only a few feet ro move from one side of the garage to another as I clean and organize it, is not usually a problem.

 

[old medic]

I can't stand in place long enough to wash dishes.

 

[Healthy Lifestyle]

Just not standing still. Movement is important - like walking.

Thnaks Audrey now I get it.
Oddly for me, (retired senior) I often stand still for some minutes when watching TV.

 

[Koolau]

Even tougher not getting old.

Yeah, that's one of my other "sayings."

I don't mind GETTING old, I just mind BEING old. YMMV

 

[Gumby]

I don't mind being this old. I just thought it would take longer to get here.

 

[skyking1]

I can't stand in place long enough to wash dishes.

I hear that. The typical 10" deep sink just does not cut it for me either. My lower back does not like that reach.
When I built our current kitchen, I ordered a copper sink from Mexico. 60/40 with the small side 7" and the big side 10".
I asked for it to be 7" deep on both sides, and expected an upcharge for cutomizing. It was exatly the opposite, they knocked some $$ off for less copper.