Exercise Is the Only Proven Way to Extend Healthy Years, Review Finds
Based on: Interventions that prolong multidimensional indicators of healthspan in humans: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
Researchers looked at 15 trials testing ways to extend healthspan, the years you live in good health. Exercise, alone or combined with other approaches, was the only thing that consistently improved how well people functioned and felt. Other approaches like supplements and calorie restriction had too little evidence to draw conclusions.
Key Insight
This review suggests regular exercise, whether aerobic or strength training, may help extend the years you spend in good health.
Original Paper
Zheng HT, Phyo AZZ, McCubbin C, Wu Z, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Ryan J
Related Studies
Exercise May Ease Anxiety, Especially Mind-Body and Aerobic Workouts
Looking at 10 studies of about 2,400 adults with generalized anxiety, researchers found exercise was linked to lower anxiety symptoms. Mind-body workouts like yoga and aerobic exercise showed the biggest effects, while resistance training results were unclear. Programs lasting 8 weeks or more with sessions of 21 to 40 minutes seemed most helpful. However, the studies varied widely, so the authors caution this is suggestive, not definitive.
Just 5,700 Daily Steps Cut Death Risk By 13% In Older Adults
Looking at dozens of studies with over 367,000 older adults, regular walking was tied to lower risk of death, disease, and cognitive decline. Each extra 1,000 daily steps was linked to a 13% drop in death from any cause. Walking pace did not change the benefit, so slow walks counted too.
Exercise Linked to Younger Biological Age, But Effect Is Modest
Pulling together 44 studies on nearly 145,000 people, researchers found that more physical activity is tied to a younger biological age, but only on certain epigenetic clocks. The effect showed up clearly on GrimAge and Horvath clocks, but not on Hannum or PhenoAge. The size of the benefit was small, and most data came from snapshot studies, so we can't say exercise actually causes the slowdown yet.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
