I use a standing desk with multiple terminals laid out so I walk between them. I also agree that while standing you are more likely to take walking breaks or step away for a moment. I also feel like when I'm standing I'm a lot more active then when sitting.
Finally, when I sit I have a habit of slouching while standing I tend to have a much better posture even for extended times.
While a bad back isn't death inducing (usually), we should consider all the benefits of standing over sitting, not just the fact that you may or may not die.
I'm sure I could just as easily trot out examples of folks with bad backs or knees because of extended standing, or due to bad standing posture.
I could probably also find examples of people with circulation problems or other issues as a result of extended standing.
We were sold on the idea that standing, alone, versus sitting, will offset the life shortening effects of being sedentary. Given this study seems to contradict that, the picture is a lot more nuanced.
Actually you're not sure you could do that. When do people ever stand perfectly still for hours on end? We get the difference between anecdotes and data, but it's also ok to formulate testable hypotheses in here.
Anyway this is like saying "Buying a bike won't make you thin". Yes, you have to ride the bike. But the availability of a bike in your house greatly raises the chance that you'll ride on any given day. It's indirect, but still a pretty good idea.
You can't use statistical evidence to invalidate someone's personal experience. It doesn't work that way!
When someone says that a standing desk has helped them, you can't just jump out and say "aha! this study says on average they don't work, therefore that someone is rationalising their purchase".
The best you can say is that it works for some people and not others.
Finally, when I sit I have a habit of slouching while standing I tend to have a much better posture even for extended times.
While a bad back isn't death inducing (usually), we should consider all the benefits of standing over sitting, not just the fact that you may or may not die.