We'll explore how excessive TV viewing might impact your health, and offer tips to help you strike a healthy balance between screen time and an active lifestyle. So, grab your sneakers (and maybe a remote, just in case), as we explore the science behind the couch potato paradox: is TV truly aging you faster?

To be honest, curling up on the couch with a good show is a leisure activity that's hard to beat. But according to a new study, that screen time could be stealing more than just your evening. Researchers have found that replacing TV with physical activity could significantly increase your chances of healthy aging.

A new study suggests that watching too much TV could be bad news for your chances of aging well. Researchers analyzed data from more than 45,000 Nurses' Health Study participants, all aged 50 or older and free of chronic disease at the start of the study (1992).

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, followed participants for 20 years, collecting information on their sitting habits (work, home, watching TV) and their standing/walking time (work, home). This data was then compared to information on their aging.

While the study doesn't definitively prove that television directly causes faster aging, it does highlight a worrying association. Let's face it, television is a passive activity. These hours spent glued to the screen translate into less time spent on activities that promote healthy aging.

Turning the tide on TV time:

The good news is that you can take control and combat the potential downsides of excessive TV consumption. Here are some tips to reduce screen time and promote healthy aging:

• Set boundaries: Be proactive! Set screen time limits and stick to them. Parental control features on TVs, dDigital alarm clock and apps can be useful tools.
• Move your body: Swap TV time for physical activity. Just do some stretches during commercial breaks 

or you can exercise on the couch, which can be very helpful. Here are some exercises you can do on your couch or Corner sofa:

• Raised push-ups

Start in a high plank with hands under your shoulders on your couch. Lower your chest with your elbows bent, then raise back up. Get on your knees if that's more comfortable. You can perform 8 to 10 repetitions.

• Seated leg raises:

Sit on the edge of your couch with both feet flat on the floor. Slowly raise one leg in front of you, keeping your toes pointed. Hold the position for a few seconds, then lower your leg. Repeat with the other leg. Do 10 reps with each leg, aiming for 2-3 sets.

• Seated twist 

The seated twist is a basic exercise that targets your obliques, the muscles on the sides of your torso that help you rotate your spine. In this case, you need two pillows: one between your knees and one in your hands, but if you only have one pillow, you can use it for twisting.

• leg lift 

You won't need any equipment for this exercise, but an exercise mat can provide additional comfort.

1. Lie on your side: Start by lying on your side with your legs stacked on top of each other and your body in a straight line. Support yourself on your forearm with your elbow directly under your shoulder for stability. You can also bend your upper knee for comfort.
2. Engage your heart: Before lifting your leg, strengthen your core by drawing your belly button toward your spine. This will help stabilize your body and protect your lower back.
3. Lift the upper leg: Keeping your leg straight (or with a slight knee bend if necessary), slowly lift your top leg toward the ceiling. Aim for a height where you feel your glutes working but without straining your lower back.
4. Hold and lower: Hold the raised position for a second or two, squeezing your gluteal muscles at the top. Then, slowly lower your leg to reach the lower leg in a controlled manner.

Perform 10 to 15 repetitions on this side, then switch sides and perform the same steps on the other leg.

Remember that healthy aging is a holistic approach. Although reducing television viewing is a positive step, it is important to incorporate activities that promote physical and mental well-being.