Regular exercise ‘can combat cellular ageing’

People who take part in vigorous regular exercise can slow down the ageing of their cells, according to new research.

The Brigham Young University study has offered evidence that people with consistently high levels of physical activity have significantly longer telomeres than those with sedentary lifestyles, as well as those who are moderately active.

Telomeres are the protein endcaps of chromosomes and shrink every time a cell replicates, meaning their length is directly correlated with a person's physical age. 

Analysing data from 5,823 people, it was shown that those with high physical activity levels had telomeres with a biological ageing advantage of nine years compared to sedentary people, and a seven-year advantage compared to those who are moderately active.

Although the exact mechanism through which exercise preserves telomeres is unknown, the team believe it may be tied to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Exercise science professor Larry Tucker said: "If you want to see a real difference in slowing your biological ageing, it appears that a little exercise won't cut it. You have to work out regularly at high levels."

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