Since ancient times, humans have been concerned with developing and preserving youthful vigor. Today, there is enough understanding of the aging process to attempt to delay it. So, the question is, has the modern world finally found the long sought after elixir of youth? Although many advances towards our understanding of the aging process have given gerontologists new insights in potential anti-aging interventions, public demand for these interventions is outpacing our current knowledge.

One of the simplest and possibly most effective methods for living a longer and fuller life is actually available now! Scientists have found the closest thing to an anti-aging pill, which is … regular exercise!

The evidence is not anecdotal but research based. Studies at the National Institute of Aging have repeatedly shown that regular exercise and strength training can have a profound effect on the rate of human aging, and may even forestall the disabilities and diseases which were previously thought of as the unavoidable price of growing old.

Even if exercise is initiated late in life, it can still delay the effects of aging. Here are some myths and misconceptions about aging that need to be debunked:

• Aging is synonymous with debilitating chronic illnesses.
• Older people shouldn’t exercise, because it might hurt them or “ use up” what little strength and vitality they have left.
• Even if exercise won’t hurt, it can’t possibly help. By the time someone is 60 or 65, the damage has already been done and can’t be reversed anyway, so why bother?
• Feeling “down” and being depressed is a normal part of aging, and we should expect it from our senior citizens.

• Exercise enhances blood flow to the brain possibly reducing risk of stroke. It also improves cognitive processing as shown in the various tests examining skills for reasoning and memory.
• Regular exercise arouses the brain and slows down degeneration of the central nervous system, which begins to perpetuate slower reaction times and poorer coordination.
• Exercise increases strength and size of muscles.
• Exercise improves lung function.
• With age, body fat tends to increase with redistribution from the extremities to the abdominal areas where it can contribute to hypertension and heart disease. Regular exercise can reduce body fat and lower the risk of chronic lifestyle diseases.
• As you age, your body becomes more susceptible to disease and loses its self-repairing abilities. Moderate physical activity can delay the process and possibly increase longevity. In fact, doctors have begun rethinking the concept of “age–related” disease. According to a recent article in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, “the literature strongly suggests the greatest threat to health is not the aging process itself, but rather inactivity.”

Alternatively, one can choose to accumulate 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. In addition, regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dancing and playing tennis can help to maintain healthy bones and prevent or lessen the chances of developing osteoporosis.

In many ways, an active lifestyle is like money in the bank since it reduces medical costs, minimises the need for long-term care and eliminates future burdens on family, friends and society. The greatest return is having the vigour, energy and independence to pursue every moment to the fullest.

The over-used adage “Use it or lose it” certainly has relevance here. Humans were not designed for a sedentary lifestyle – get active and you can look forward to a long and healthy life. - (Kathy Mc Quaide, Exercise Scientist at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa).

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