Continuing to stay in shape may slow aging

February 2, 2008

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As we age, we lose muscle mass and strength. However, an article in the New York Times discusses a study that suggests that if we can stay active, we can significantly slow the rate of loss. The study compared those who continued to train and those who stopped training. Those who continued to train, and keep active, showed less deterioration, than those who stopped.

There are two take home messages, from this and other studies. The first is that it is never too late to start moving more. In the article, a man who took up running at 62 years is now running marathons. Not that is what most people, including me, are going to do; my days of running were short and are long gone. However, we can all increase our activity. Not only can you slow down the rate of decline, but also if you are very out of shape you can improve muscle mass and strength. Secondly, is to try to increase the relative intensity several times a week. I am planning to try to increase my walking speed for short distances, every so often. At least until I forget all about the article.