If you can find a job that you love that requires moderate activity, and funds a lifestyle you can get enjoyment from, that's obviously great. But this study doesn't suggest that you need to do this to stay sharp.
And, at least in the US, the statistics show that average lifespan has actually been decreasing for people in blue collar jobs. Part of this may be that physically demanding jobs simply cause the body to wear out faster or because you end up injuring yourself and having limited mobility making it harder for you to stay active. And, of course, a big part of it is most likely that blue collar jobs usually don't include great healthcare plans, and if you're earning less money, you may end up with a plan that really isn't affordable if something major happens.
It seems that a white collar job with maybe 5 days a week where you workout for an hour - some sort of combination of strength training and aerobic activity - is probably the best middle ground we have right now.
> is most likely that blue collar jobs usually don't include great healthcare plans
Maybe. But there is also lifestyle to consider. I've noticed that blue-collar folks are often the joe-sixpack type. Even with the physical aspect of their jobs, they have poor diets (by choice) and drink a lot.
And, at least in the US, the statistics show that average lifespan has actually been decreasing for people in blue collar jobs. Part of this may be that physically demanding jobs simply cause the body to wear out faster or because you end up injuring yourself and having limited mobility making it harder for you to stay active. And, of course, a big part of it is most likely that blue collar jobs usually don't include great healthcare plans, and if you're earning less money, you may end up with a plan that really isn't affordable if something major happens.
It seems that a white collar job with maybe 5 days a week where you workout for an hour - some sort of combination of strength training and aerobic activity - is probably the best middle ground we have right now.