How Exercise Promotes Longevity

Consumer electronics typically last just a few short years with regular use.
The human body is different because regular use can actually extend its lifespan.
But why? What is it about exercise that helps us to live longer, happier, healthier lives?
This fat, known as bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate or BMP, is a complex lipid signature found to accumulate in the aging tissue of both mice and humans.
After researchers identified the chronic disease-carrying characteristics of BMP, they observed—in mice and humans—that physical activity was able to reduce it.
One phase of the study recorded BMP content in people’s muscles, and then split subjects into two groups. One group was put on an exercise program, and the other simply sat most of the day.
Just one hour of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per day for four days was shown to significantly decrease BMP levels.
Georges Janssens, primary author of the study and an assistant professor at Amsterdam UMC, said the findings reveal that we have a lot more control over our health than we might realize.
Even if you don’t start exercising until later in life, you may still be able to enjoy the health benefits that movement has to offer.
The exercise group was put on a program known as Gerofit: a supervised regimen designed for older veterans. Gerofit includes up to three days a week of a well-rounded exercise routine, consisting of aerobic endurance, upper and lower body strengthening, balance, and flexibility training.
The results were significant. Researchers found that the exercise group maintained a high level of physical performance, while the sedentary suffered losses of strength, aerobic endurance, and mobility.
Those who can manage to exercise beyond these recommendations may extend their lives even further.
This collective lack of exercise takes a remarkable toll on our health care system. HHS says physical inactivity is linked to approximately $117 billion in annual health care costs and about 10 percent of premature mortality.
With all the published evidence showing that exercise can improve health, why do so few take advantage of it? Physical therapist Elizabeth Stroot said she believes that people understand that exercise is good for them, but they lack the time, motivation, or opportunity to follow through.
“We often sit for work, and a lot of people don’t even physically go into an office anymore, and that cuts down on your total steps for the day,” Stroot said.
When it comes to starting an exercise routine, Stroot finds that her clients respond best when they understand how it can impact their quality of life. For example, new parents (or grandparents) who struggle to get down on the floor to play with their children can be encouraged to improve their mobility, flexibility, and stability.
“Finding out what someone’s drive can become the motivation point,” she said.
Another point of encouragement is knowing that little things, such as taking the stairs, can make a big difference.
In addition to finding accessible ways to add activity to your day, Stroot encourages people to reach out for help.
“Ask a friend to take a walk with you. Ask a professional to be your trainer. Reach out to an online professional and have them develop a program for you. Or push yourself to go to the community center that is in your neighborhood, if that’s the most convenient,” Stroot said.
When you first get into fitness, just showing up and doing something consistently can feel like a major accomplishment. But to keep the momentum going, Stroot recommends tracking your progress over time and shooting for specific and detailed goals that will move you further ahead.
“Having a target that can show you concrete evidence that you are making progress will only add fuel to the flame of your motivation,” she said.