Pulvinar neces velo nostra ligula quisque aptent

10 REASONS TO GET OFF THE COUCH
Prof. David Cameron Smith

Straight out of science, we bring you ten of the best research-backed, age-defying reasons to get moving.

 

1.     Youthful looks: Exercise protects against wrinkles, crows feet and other signs of skin ageing.  Exercise triggers the release of interleukin 15 (IL-15) which prevents the loss of the thin layer of growing cells that provides the firmness and lustre of young, healthy skin.

 

2.     Exceptional hearing: In old mice, regular exercise maintains the health of the cochlear (the inner ear). 

 

3.     A keen eye: Regular exercise reduces the risk of vision loss from macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes – all major causes of visual impairment in the elderly.

 

4.     Superb singing voice: Not keen on starting to speak and sing like your grandparents? Ageing changes our voices, due to changes in the structure of the larynx (voicebox), a condition known as presbyphonia. Exercise will have you speaking and singing like someone years younger.  

 

5.     A full head of hair: For women, exercise protects against the gradual loss of hair follicles and hair-thinning. For men, alas, exercise may accelerate hair loss – the gleaming crowns of fit guys can be attributed to surging testosterone levels.

 

6.     Shagadelic sex life: It’s not just erectile dysfunction that is improved with exercise. Research points to the importance of core exercises for pelvic floor control and tight buns.

 

7.     Super cells: Exercise is a natural gene therapy. Exercise programs cells to work harder and live longer.

 

8.     Reduced cancer risk: Exercise fights oxidative stress and DNA damage, a major cause of cellular mutations and cancers.

 

9.     Stay regular: Exercise reduces the risks of urinary incontinence and constipation.

 

10.  Longevity: You are far more likely to live longer of you regularly exercise.