New Study: Can Exercise Stop You From Aging?
The quick answer? If you’re a rodent it can.
Studies around exercise must be some of the most well-funded out there. In the last few months, we’ve reported on several: From how exercise may prevent the common cold to why it’s more effective in the morning. Other recent research has focused on bone density and weight management for women after menopause, and now the New York Times is reporting that it may play a very significant role in slowing the signs of aging. Or, excuse me, stopping them altogether. From the article:
Indeed, in heartening new research published last week in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, exercise reduced or eliminated almost every detrimental effect of aging in mice that had been genetically programmed to grow old at an accelerated pace.
Of course we’ve long-discussed the anti-aging, beauty-amplifying benefits of breaking a sweat—but every sign? Come again, now. According to the article, here’s how the research was conducted:
In the experiment, Dr. Tarnopolsky and his colleagues used lab rodents that carry a genetic mutation affecting how well their bodies repair malfunctioning mitochondria, which are tiny organelles within cells. Mitochondria combine oxygen and nutrients to create fuel for the cells — they are microscopic power generators.
This malfunctioning mitochondria would ensure that the subjects age prematurely. And that’s exactly what they did: By the time they hit their 8-month birthdays, which in this study represented about 60 human years, they were decrepid and dying. None of them reached their first birthdays. That is, except the ones that exercised.
Those rodents, who got to run on the wheel for 45 minutes, three times a week, had none of the signs of aging—despite possessing the same predisposition for early aging as the other poor things. Their fur was shiny and didn’t turn gray, their little hearts thumped on beat, their muscle and brain mass remained healthy, and they exhibited amazing coordination. In short, they stayed young—and they all celebrated their first birthdays.
While these epic effects aren’t fully understood (more funding to come!), the results are astounding. Our first three burning questions: 1. Could exercise really put hair dye out of business? 2. How applicable are these results to us bigger mammals? 3. Will a study like this change your exercise habits?
Won’t change my habits now, as I am quite devoted to getting in plenty of exercise. But a bit more encouragement is great. I do think that for many people, knowing exercise is “good for them” doesn’t change their habits, but perhaps knowing it can change how you LOOK as you age will be motivating…sad that sometimes humans care more about how we look than how we feel. Whatever it takes to get people doing something healthy, though. I wish I’d known this info in my teens/twenties…maybe I’d have done more exercise back then and wouldn’t have so many grey hairs!
It won’t change my habits. I exercise six days a week on average. I realize there are other harmful factors that can age us, (self-imposed as well as environmental), but this study seems very positive and motivating. Anyone who has gone to the doctor and has been told, “well, there really isn’t anything we can do about that; that is just part of aging” must be thrilled at the possibilities. And think of all of the age-related degenerative diseases. If the results are, in fact, true, than this is truly great news.
My first question is this: What about a control group of regular-non-mutated-aging-gene mice? Isn’t it possible that the mice with mutated aging genes responded to exercise differently than mice without such a gene would? In other words, that’s great news for mice with mutated aging genes, but what about the others…and by extension, what about us?
Katie, that is an excellent question. I come from an incredibly active family. I get at least 4 hours of exercise per week. My mother, who is 66, is a professional dancer. She still gets a minimum of an hour of intense exercise per day. She can outrun her grandchildren and can still do the splits…seriously. She does have a head of grey hair and lots of expressive lines on her face. She is beautiful and has clearly naturally aged. I do not think humans function in the same way as mutated aging gene ridden mice. However, I would never stop being joyfully physically active.
Like you said Alexandra, there’s still a lot more to be understood about these results. However, does this make me want to hit the gym more? Of course. Because I slack off too much.
Moksha, I agree exercise is good and wonderful. A woman who has aged naturally and with grace is nothing less than stunning. I just think the premise of the study is off, but that didn’t keep me from going to my yoga class this morning. :)