We’ve all met the 40 year old who looks 30; new research explains why they are aging so well
Nothing we do will stop us from turning another year older but there is a way to age gracefully while adding quality years to our lives. Findings from a 2017 study published in the journal Preventive Medicine explains how more physical activity leads to less biological aging for our bodies.
As it turns out, exercise influences cellular behavior on a very deep level. This new research reveals that people who have consistently high levels of physical activity are slowing down their biological clocks!
During the aging process our telomeres—the protein end caps of cellular chromosomes—shrink. People who exercise vigorously have longer telomeres and researchers have concluded that longer telomeres equate to longer lifespans. All we have to do to slow down Father Time is commit to a consistent active exercise routine.
According to researchers at Brigham Young University, high activity for women is 30 minutes of cardio exercise (jogging, dancing) and 40 minutes for men, just five days a week.
Exercise has so many wonderful health benefits it’s not surprising that it can also add years to our lives! This is just one more great reason to get moving.
REFERENCE
Tucker LA. Physical activity and telomere length in US men and women: an NHANES investigation. Preventive Medicine. 2017;100:145-151.