Achieving longevity and improving healthspan with exercise

Longevity is important but healthspan is even more important. The quality of our years versus the quantity is significant, healthspan over lifespan. Physical activity can help us to age well and improve our quality of life.

Below are key longevity indicators that can be improved through exercise helping us to achieve a positive healthspan:

• Muscular Power - a combination of strength and speed of contraction. This has been shown as a stronger predictor of mortality than muscular strength in older individuals.

• Quadricep Strength - affects the ability to perform activities of everyday living in older adults (think getting up and down out of a chair).

• Balance - the ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds is associated with all cause mortality in older adults.

• Mobility - affects health, independence, social connectedness and quality of life in older adults.

• Hand Grip Strength - an important predictor of longevity and mortality in older adults.

• Bone Density - good mineral density decreases the risk of osteoporosis, risk of fractures and related mortality along with improved immune system health.

• Walking Pace - a brisk walking pace is linked to more healthy years ahead as we age.