About Us

Facilities

Services

Social Mission

Social Enterprise

Our Clients

New Promotions

Contact Us

Vacancies

-
Press Release 10/2/08
Sedentary life 'speeds up ageing'

-Supporting conclusions made by Anne Bateson, Executive Director of World Of Fitness

Experts have recently warned us that our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are making us genetically old before our time. A study of twins found those who were physically active during their leisure time appeared biologically younger than their sedentary peers and researchers found key pieces of DNA called telomeres shortened more quickly in inactive people. It is thought that these could signify faster cellular ageing. 

The King's College London study appears in Archives of Internal Medicine.

“This conclusion provides a powerful message that could be used by clinicians to promote the potential anti-ageing effect of regular exercise" King's College London researchers 

An active lifestyle has been linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer. However, the latest research suggests that inactivity not only makes people more vulnerable to disease, but may actually speed up the ageing process. 

Direct comparison of twins who had different levels of physical activity produced similar results. Researchers suggest that physically inactive people may be more vulnerable to the damage caused to cells by exposure to oxygen, and to inflammation. Stress is also thought to have an impact on telomere length, and the researchers suggest people who exercise regularly may help to reduce their stress levels. Researchers said: "Our results show that adults who partake in regular physical activity are biologically younger than sedentary individuals. 

"This conclusion provides a powerful message that could be used by clinicians to promote the potential anti-ageing effect of regular exercise." 

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Jack Guralnik, of the US National Institute on Aging, said more work was needed to show a direct relationship between ageing and physical activity. 

He said: "Persons who exercise are different from sedentary persons in many ways, and although certain variables were adjusted for in this analysis, many additional factors could be responsible for the biological differences between active and sedentary persons.” 

World of Fitness operates to offer affordable and accessible health and fitness services for the whole community and strives to engage those who lead particularly sedentary lifestyles. It works with local health agencies to develop and deliver fitness programmes that encourage people to participate in physical activities. 

Anne Bateson, Executive Director of World of Fitness explains, “It is obvious that people who lead sedentary lifestyles, are dangerously shortening their lifespan. Having said that, we have case study evidence that proves that the premature aging process is reversible and people should be told that it is never too late to make a start. Health agencies are increasingly recommending exercise to patients and with a NHS drug bill that has just topped 7 billion, it is only a matter of time before GP’s should be offering gym membership on prescription.” 

For more information or an interview with Anne Bateson please call Carly on 0113 2660655. 

Source reference material:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6702107.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7212698.stm