It is common knowledge that to lead a long, healthy life that one must watch what they eat and drink, be consciences of what substances they put into their bodies, and of course, adopt an exercise regimen. But what are the exact benefits of working out specifically? Could it possibly be because with exercise comes strengthened joints and muscles, or maybe it increases blood flow? The answer may not be just our bones and joints but may lie within our genes and genetic makeup.
Telomeres are the end caps located on our chromosomes and serve a similar purpose to that of an aglet on a shoelace- telomeres stop the chromosome from fraying or from sticking to other chromosomes. Telomeres have been linked to aging as they progressively shorten over time in response to stress signals. In essence, telomeres serve as a biological clock in humans- so how does exercise influence telomere length?
Telomere length is inversely related to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer and it has been found that athletes have longer telomeres than non-athletes later in life. A study from Brigham Young University found that “…adults that got 30 minutes of exercise five days per week had telomeres that appeared to be nine years ‘younger’ than those who were sedentary” (MD, M. H.). While the relationship of telomere length and life longevity is still not 100% clear, chronic physiological stress may be the main culprit as to why the telomeres shorten overtime. Exercise helps moderate the stress response thus preventing the telomeres from shrinking early on.
Individuals with high stress jobs (doctor, lawyer, financial analysts) and individuals with sedentary jobs (office worker, phone operators, etc.) are at the highest risk for telomere shortening compared to professional athletes or just individuals with a higher activity level. Fortunately, it only really takes 15 minutes of exercise per day to keep your telomeres in check and to prevent them from prematurely shortening. Essentially, if you walk across campus every day you are all set, and you have very little to worry about!
Hannah Krzyszton (5)
I really liked your blog post! I think its so interesting that exercise and de stressing can help keep your telomeres long and healthy! I definitely don't work out as much as I should but knowing that my walks across campus count as helping my telomere health makes me feel better!!
ReplyDelete- Jessica Ross
Hi Zach!
DeletePeople always say that exercise is medicine, and research like this proves that statement.
- Hannah K
It's very eye opening to see that stress can actually take years off of your life. Even though exercise can help combat telomeres shortening, is that the case for all levels of stress? Can someone endure such a high level of stress that regular exercise can't even prevent telomeres shortening?
ReplyDelete-Emma Alderman-Shapiro
Hi Emma,
DeleteI'm not quite sure and that's a great question, but I think maybe with some level of physical activity, stress levels won't be as harmful.
- Hannah K
This is a very interesting and informative post. I had no idea that exercise could impact telomeres and prevent them from shortening. There has been so much research recently about the countless benefits of exercise and it shows how just a few minutes each day can have significant benefits for the future.
ReplyDelete-Zach Conant
Hi Jess!
DeleteI agree with you; I've been taking more walks lately and it'a good to know that i'm benefiting my current self as well as my future self.
- Hannah K
Hi Jess,
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious that exercise increases better outcomes but I had no idea that it can slow down aging. I hadn't thought about how stress can affect telomere length.
Morianna Saint-Cyr
Morianna Saint-Cyr