Why Exercise is Important for Longevity
Unveiling the Link Between Aerobic Capacity and Longevity
Did you know that your exercise capacity can determine if you can live longer? VO2 max measures your lung, heart, and muscle capacity and it increases when we perform exercise. A test called "cardio-pulmonary exercise test" is available. This test measures VO2 max which is the greatest amount of oxygen that our body uses during peak exercise. A healthy endurance athlete may have a VO2 max of 90 ml/kg/min while an elderly with a sedentary lifestyle may have a VO2 max of 20 ml/kg/min.1
Researchers studied rats bred for high or low exercise ability.2 They found that rats with higher VO2 max lived longer and stayed healthier in their old age. Rats with high capacity exercise achieved a 45% increase in life expectancy. This means that improving our aerobic capacity could help us live longer. We don't need to do extreme workouts; simple exercises like walking or cycling can make a big difference. The study shows a strong connection between aerobic exercise and a longer life.
High VO2 max levels can boost heart, muscle, and lung health, protecting against aging. By doing aerobic activities, we're not just getting fit; we're investing in a longer, healthier life. This study shows how our bodies can adapt and improve with exercise, giving us the power to shape our future.
So, let's get moving, breathe deeply, and enjoy a longer life. The secret isn't in fancy trends or pills; it's in the air we breathe and our determination to challenge ourselves. Let's unlock the power of VO2 max and fight against aging.
Strasser, B., & Burtscher, M. (2018). Survival of the fittest: VO2 max a key predictor of longevity? *Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark, 23*, 1505-1516.
Koch, L. G., Kemi, O. J., Qi, N., Leng, S. X., Bijma, P., Gilligan, L. J., ... & Britton, S. L. (2011). Intrinsic aerobic capacity sets a divide for aging and longevity. Circulation Research, 109(10), 1162-1172. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.111.253807