The Science of Anti-Aging
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw
It’s readily accepted, in this day and age, that our technological advances have granted us the ability to live easier. That’s led a more sedentary existence for a lot of people; it’s also led to a greater understanding of the benefits of exercise. New studies are constantly coming out not only showing that exercise is more important the older you get, but that regularly working up a sweat stops, and in some ways reverses, the effects of aging. Even if you’ve never been the type to exercise, adopting a healthy routine will greatly improve your heart, skin, brain and bones.
Sure, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku keeps the brain sharp, but scientists have also found that increased blood flow will improve brain health, as well. University of Cambridge researchers studying the effects of exercise on the brains of mice found that running actually stimulated cell growth in the memory region. The healthy mice even tested better than their non-running brethren. Studies on humans have shown that walking just 30-60 minutes a day increases blood flow to the brain, which washes away built up amyloid-beta protein, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s.
The effects on your skin from pollution and UV rays are well known, but what may be news to you is that regular exercise will counter that. Whatever you do to get your cardio up, be it running, sports, or yoga, will also increase your metabolism. A fast and active metabolism will more quickly flush toxins from cells, allowing them to heal and promote collagen growth, resulting in healthier, younger looking skin.
Bone health is a big concern as we age. Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones from the loss of bone mass. One way to combat that is through high impact exercises that actually put strain on the bones. Playing sports like soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, doing resistance exercises, or weight lifting, will strengthen muscles by creating tiny tears that heal and become stronger. As it turns out, bones react to these stresses in much the same way. By putting force on the bones via these high intensity workouts, the bones will react by becoming stronger.
All the exercise you’re doing to help other parts of your body is helping out your ticker, too.
Myriad studies have shown that leading a non-active lifestyle will cause your heart to atrophy. Just like any other muscle, it should be worked out regularly. Research has shown that it’s not uncommon for a lifetime exerciser in their silver years to have hearts stronger and healthier than people half their age who don’t workout.
It’s no secret! People who maintain a healthy and active lifestyle live longer and live better. So even if you’re new to it, get out there and start playing; you’ll be better for it!
For great products to help you keep active go to Rukket.com!
Sources:
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0017837
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2010/jan/18/running-brain-memory-cell-growth
