From advanced drugs and medical treatments to supplements, modern science has been obsessively researching for many years the possible ways to extend life back "up to a hundred and twenty years," and perhaps even longer. At least some scientists, however, seem to be beginning to despair of pursuing new means in favor of a much older method: exercise. We used ChatGPT to dive into this discovery:
A huge body of research (i.e., the accumulation of tons of studies on similar topics) has consistently proven that exercise is a powerful tool against the ravages of time. It is more effective than cold-water dives, drugs like metformin and rapamycin, and supplements like taurine when it comes to protecting against age-related diseases and improving quality of life in advanced age.
The benefits of regular exercise go far beyond toning muscles and burning calories; For adults, physical activity can mean the difference between maintaining independence or needing nursing. It reduces fatigue and guards against the devastating consequences of falls, which are the leading cause of injury-related death among those 65 and older.
What's more, exercise reduces the risk of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It prevents many of the signs of aging, as demonstrated by research led by Nathan Lebrasaur, director of the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center for Aging at the Mayo Clinic. Research has shown that regular exercise programs can reduce cellular aging, a key marker of aging.
The anti-aging ability of physical activity stems from its multifaceted effect on the body: it strengthens immune function, reduces inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity, all of which contribute to a longer and healthier life. Furthermore, studies have found that specific forms of exercise offer greater life-prolonging benefits. Racket sports, such as tennis or squash, as well as running and walking, have emerged as leading competitors in this regard.
Physical activity is good not only for the body, but also for the brain; Moderate intensity exercise improves cerebral blood flow and brain glucose metabolism, which are essential for cognitive functions. This cognitive boost is a compelling reason to stay active as you get older.
The beauty of physical activity lies in its accessibility. Research shows that any amount of exercise can contribute to a longer life – especially for those who spend most of their lives sedentary. U.S. federal guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults. A study analyzing data from more than 650,000 adults found that even those who engaged in half that amount added an average of 1.8 years to their lives compared to inactive people. Those who exercised five to eight hours a week averaged an impressive 4.2 more years.
These benefits extend not only across age groups, but even over different weight groups; Obese people who were physically active after age 40 had a life expectancy of about three years longer compared to people of more normal weight who were inactive.
In a world of biohackers – people who experiment with lifestyle changes and various medications to prolong their lives – exercise remains the most effective way to prolong life and improve its quality.
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