The study showed that the risk of death was twofold higher for participants who reported watching three or more hours of TV a day compared to those watching one or less house.
This twofold higher risk was also apparent after accounting for a wide array of other variables related to a higher risk of death.
The researchers found no significant association between the time spent using a computer driving and higher risk of premature death from all causes.
They said further studies are needed to confirm what effect may exist between computer use and driving on death rates, and to determine the biological mechanisms explaining these associations.
"As the population ages, sedentary behaviors will become more prevalent, especially watching television, and this poses an additional burden on the increased healthy problems related to aging," Martinez-Gonzalez said. Out findings suggest adults may consider increasing their physical activity, avoid long sedentary periods, and reduce television watching to no longer than one to two house each day.