How Exercise Boosts Healthspan and Longevity

In their wide-ranging dialogue, Drs. Jordan Peterson and Peter Attia explored the science showing how regular exercise powerfully boosts healthspan and longevity. Even a modest amount of weekly exercise can add years to your life.

The data on exercise and longevity is striking. Dr. Attia explained that going from completely inactive to exercising just 3 hours per week cuts all-cause mortality risk in half. Adding both aerobic conditioning and strength training provides optimal health benefits.

How Exercise Promotes Longevity

Exercise boosts longevity in a number of interdependent ways:

• Improves heart health: It strengthens the cardiovascular system and helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol. This reduces heart disease risk.
• Builds muscle and strength: Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) is a key factor in aging. Strength training combats this.
• Enhances metabolic function: Exercise promotes glucose disposal, insulin sensitivity, and mitigates metabolic disease risk.
• Reduces inflammation: Physical activity curtails systemic inflammation, a key driver of many chronic diseases.
• Stimulates cognition: Exercise boosts blood flow, metabolic function, and brain plasticity. This appears to stave off cognitive decline.
• Promotes emotional health: Physical activity relieves anxiety and depression, improving overall well-being.

In essence, exercise acts as a powerful polypill – influencing the body on multiple fronts at once. It is one of the best ways to extend healthspan as well as lifespan.

Start Small for Big Results

The great news is you don’t have to become an athlete or fitness buff to gain large benefits. Start where you are. Something as simple as daily 10 minute walks can lay the foundation for a longevity boosting exercise habit.

Dr. Attia recommends building to 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity cardio, along with full body strength training 2-3 times per week. This can significantly improve your healthspan – the number of years you remain functionally fit and independent.

Think of exercise as investing in your future self. The compounded benefits make it one of the most effective longevity boosting strategies. Get started today.

Watch the interview here: