Study: Sedentary Life "Speeds Up Aging"

Intuitively we all know that leading a sedentary lifestyle is not healthy. Yet it is still eye-opening when scientific studies show us exactly how unhealthy it is. The most recent example is a comprehensive study of twins by the King's College London and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that not only do inactive people appear biologically older than their active peers but that "key pieces of DNA called telomeres shortened more quickly in inactive people. It is thought that could signify faster cellular ageing."

...the latest research suggests that inactivity not only makes people more vulnerable to disease, but may actually speed up the ageing process itself.

The researchers suggest that physically inactive people may be more vulnerable to the damage caused to cells by exposure to oxygen, and to inflammation.

Stress is also thought to have an impact on telomere length, and the researchers suggest people who exercise regularly may help to reduce their stress levels.

Writing in the journal, the researchers said: "Our results show that adults who partake in regular physical activity are biologically younger than sedentary individuals.

"This conclusion provides a powerful message that could be used by clinicians to promote the potential anti-ageing effect of regular exercise."

Of course all of the normal qualifiers apply to this study including "more research is necessary," "results are preliminary," etc. But even with those it is clear that being physically active caries numerous benefits, well beyond just feeling well and losing weight (though should be enough in themselves!). Studies also continue to link physical activity with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Source: BBC News

H/T: Aging Backwards, who knows a thing or two about aging!