In recognition of daylight savings (which is on November 6…..don’t forget!), finding ways to turn back the clock with fitness can, literally, turn back your internal clock.  Humanity has been in search of the proverbial fountain of youth for ages.  There are ways to slow the body’s aging process and the subsequent health issues that tend to come along with that process. 

              The definition of being “old” has changed…..40 is the new 30, 50 is the new 40, etc.  Mindset has a lot to do with this.  Although age may be “just a number”, the fact is time stops for no one.  As time goes by our bodies will change.  The minor aches and pains may become more noticeable.  Injuries will take a little longer from which to recover.  Slowing these inevitable changes, however, is possible.  Lifestyle is a major determinant of how quickly those changes occur and how significant they are.  Exercise and physical activity are a huge part of fending off the aging process.

Strength training is more than an aesthetic endeavor.  There are age defying benefits.

• Metabolic: This is not only from a calorie burning perspective.  Regular training improves insulin sensitivity to regulate blood sugar.  There is a correlation between age and Type 2 diabetes.  It is most diagnosed in those age 45-64.  
• Injury Prevention: Improving and maintaining strength will help with some of the age related aches, pains, and injuries.  Joint stabilization, muscle /tendon elasticity, and bone density all naturally decrease with age.  All are improved with regular training.
• Fall Prevention: Being able to support the body through increased strength and improved balance will reduce fall risk.  For adults over age 60 a fall risk reduction of over 30% has been reviewed.  Fewer falls means fewer injuries which means avoiding injury recovery instances.

We all know cardiovascular training has heart and lung benefits no matter your location on the age scale.  When it comes to its age defying benefits it’s not about location.  It’s all about circulation...circulation...circulation.  Improved circulation benefits all the organs of the body.  This isn’t limited to the internal organs.  Improved circulation benefits skin (yes, skin is an organ).  Circulation is all about nutrient delivery for organs to function.  Better delivery results in better function.  Skin is no different.  Reduction in wrinkle appearance and improved pore function are results of improved nutrient delivery to skin cells.

Cognitive function is another concern as we add years to our lives.  As mentioned above, improved circulation equals improved organ function, including the brain.  Cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are multifaceted in cause.  Brain volume and gray matter naturally decreases with age, particularly advanced age.  Another benefit of cardiovascular exercise is, you guessed it, a lower rate of reduction in gray matter.  Although studying the complexities of cognitive disease is ongoing, there is no denying that physical activity improves cognitive function. 

The fountain of youth may be anti-aging folklore and a myth.  Exercise’s age defying affects are, however, the real deal.  Being physically active and passing down that practice to following generations isn’t just a story, but rather the true way to turn back the clock.