One of the reasons why people of the past may had lower rates of cancer illnesses could be that they frequently worked outdoors. A recent research discovered that older women who work outdoors have a lower risk of breast cancer.

Benefits of working outside

Sun exposure boosts body’s level of vitamin D, as sunlight is the primary source of this vital substance.

The increased levels of breast cancer among women aged 50+ could be linked to the lack of sunlight exposure, scientists believe, due to deficiency of the vitamin D.

There were studies that pointed out on possible link between the lack of vitamin D and breast cancer. The body produces vitamin D mainly in the middle of the day (from 10 am to 3 pm).

Obviously, people who work outdoors are exposed to higher levels of sunlight as compared to the majority of modern population whose jobs are done indoors.

After analysing data from the registry of females aged 50+ who got cancer, scientists found a link with a long-term occupational history of working outdoors with a substantially lower risk of breast cancer. Females who had a history of 20 or more years of work outdoors were 17% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Another recent study found that spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, was linked to higher happiness rates during pandemics restrictions.
• One prior study found that exercising outdoors provided greater feelings of revitalization, more energy and positive engagement, as compared to exercising indoors. The levels of depression and anger decreased for people working out outside.

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