MILLIONS of men will be glued to the TV watching the World Cup over the next few weeks – but only a fraction will actually play the game themselves, or take any other form of exercise.

For, while men like watching sport, less than half of those aged over 35 do enough exercise to keep them healthy, say experts.

According to research, after the age of 35, men are increasingly likely to do less than the recommended level of exercise, which is at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, five or more days a week.

Such physical activity can decrease the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as helping to improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve sexual performance.

This year's Men's Health Week, which runs until Sunday, is focusing on raising the heart rate of more than a million men aged between 35and 64.

Dr Ian Banks, president of the Men's Health Forum, which runs the event, explains that as men get older, their physical activity drops off dramatically.

“We’re trying to get a million more men moving, as lack of activity is among the biggest issues for male life expectancy, probably greater than even smoking or alcohol.”

Last year, a Swedish study found that middle-aged men who start exercising regularly can expect to live 2.3 years longer than males leading sedentary lives.

Couch potatoes, meanwhile, should bear in mind that World Health Organisation figures show more than 20 per cent of coronary heart disease and 10 per cent of strokes are due to physical inactivity.

Banks uses the metaphor of a car left standing for a long time to explain what happens to the body if it’s not exercised.

“You leave a car standing, it will seize up, simply because it’s not been used.

“The human body has to be used too, otherwise it seizes up – it's as simple as that.”

Banks says most men cite pressure of work, stress, divorce and children as the reason for lack of exercise.

But he says there are many ways to stay healthy which will slot into men’s everyday lives such as using stairs instead of the lift, getting off the bus one stop earlier or cleaning the car by hand.

“If you walk briskly for just half an hour a day, it takes your level of activity out of the danger range,” stresses Banks.

While there is also a case for women, the difference is that after the age of about 25 men’s activity levels drop, while women’s remain roughly the same. This fact is reflected in mortality rates: 22 per cent of men in England and Wales die before they reach the age of 64, compared to just 13 per cent of women.

“Men are dying early, and we’re saying that this is a real problem, and here’s a way of doing something about it,” says Dr Banks.

In a bid to get more men moving, events including “MoT” checks for men and health improvement campaigns are being held around the country as part of the week, which is supported by a host of sporting personalities.

Visit the website malehealth.co.uk.