Stop exercising and physical activity as an elderly person? No, this is not a good idea: we humans have evolved so that we can be active even in the so-called third age. To say it is a very serious study from Harvard University …

Exercise as an elderly person –

A team of evolutionary biologists and biomedical researchers from the famous American university – which also included Aaron Baggish, the cardiologist of the American national football team – a few days ago presented a series of evolutionary and biomedical evidence showing that keeping active even in old age is foreseen precisely by that complex and wonderful mechanism which is evolution. According to scholars, we human beings have evolved to remain active all our life and doing physical activity later in the years causes the body to use the energy it accumulates with food in the right way, instead of using it against itself. This mechanism protects us from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

Being active even in old age: why it’s good for us –

“It is a widespread idea in Western societies that as we get older, it is normal to slow down, do less and retire,” comments Harvard evolutionary biologist Daniel E. Lieberman, lead author of the research. “But it’s the other way around: as we get older, it becomes even more important to stay physically active “. There are several reasons why keeping active is also good in old age:

• In addition to burning calories, physical activity (made according to one’s possibilities and always on the advice of the doctor, ed) causes minor damage to the body at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels.
• The body’s response to this damage, however, essentially consists in rebuilding itself stronger. This includes the repair of muscle tears and cartilage damage and the healing of microfractures.
• This response also causes the release of exercise-related antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and improves blood flow.
• In the absence of physical activity, these responses – according to the scientists – are activated less and increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

“The key point is that because we have evolved to be active throughout our lives, our bodies need physical activity to age well. In the past, daily physical activity was necessary to survive, but today we have to choose to exercise, that is, do it voluntarily for the sake of health and fitness“Warns Lieberman.

How to exercise more when you are older –

What to do? Simple: get up from your chair and start doing some exercise, preferably pleasant. “The key is to do something that is also fun so you can keep doing it,” says the scholar. “And the good news is, you don’t need to be as active as our hunting ancestors. Even small amounts of physical activity – just 10 or 20 minutes a day – can substantially reduce the risk of mortality ”.

Here are just a few of the ways physical activity can help you feel better, look better and live better. Because, why not?

It’s a natural mood lifter.

Regular physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression and anger. You know that “feel good sensation” you get after doing something physical? Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects! Most people notice they feel better over time as physical activity becomes a regular part of their lives.

It keeps you physically fit and able.

Without regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function properly. It’s like the old saying: you don’t stop moving from growing old, you grow old from stopping moving. Exercise increases muscle strength, which in turn increases your ability to do other physical activities.

It helps keep the doctor away.

Stand up when you eat your apple a day! Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. One study showed that adults who watch more than 4 hours of television a day had an 80% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Being more active can help you:

• lower your blood pressure
• boost your levels of good cholesterol
• improve blood flow (circulation)
• keep your weight under control
• prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis

All of this can add up to fewer medical expenses, interventions and medications later in life!

It can help you live longer.

It’s true, 70 is the new 60… but only if you’re healthy. People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven years longer than those who are not active and are obese. And the important part is that those extra years are generally healthier years! Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging. So active adults maintain their quality of life and independence longer as they age.

Here are some other benefits you may get with regular physical activity:

• Helps you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.
• Boosts your energy level so you can get more done.
• Helps you manage stress and tension.
• Promotes a positive attitude and outlook.
• Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
• Improves your self-image and self-confidence.
• Helps you spend more time outdoors.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can knock that out in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. And every minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts toward your goal.

So, this is easy! Just move more, with more intensity, and sit less. You don’t have to make big life changes to see the benefits. Just start building more activity into your day, one step at a time.