{"id":14481,"date":"2025-06-21T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T14:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=14481"},"modified":"2025-06-14T06:49:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T10:49:00","slug":"the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says-14481\/","title":{"rendered":"The super-elderly adopt this habit to boost longevity and maintain good health, US cardiologist says"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Dr Eric Topol, a renowned US cardiologist, geneticist, and authority in cardiovascular research, has spent decades studying &#8220;super-agers&#8221;, individuals who continue to thrive well past 80. His extensive research highlights <strong>one exceptional practice common among these extraordinary elders<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>While acknowledging that <a href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/nutrition\/food\/neither-walking-nor-sleeping-8-hours-the-best-daily-habit-for-retirees-over-60-to-maintain-energy-levels-11310\/\"><strong>balanced nutrition<\/strong><\/a>, social connection, and cognitive engagement are important, there&#8217;s one daily habit that stands out due to its effect on the aging process and long-term health: <strong>regular physical activity<\/strong>. Let&#8217;s explore the benefits of this habit for longevity in more detail.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenido<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says-14481\/#Physical_exercise_a_habit_that_can_add_years\" >Physical exercise, a habit that can add years<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says-14481\/#Slowing_down_your_bodys_clock\" >Slowing down your body&#8217;s clock<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says-14481\/#Boosting_cognitive_function\" >Boosting cognitive function<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says-14481\/#Fending_off_major_diseases\" >Fending off major diseases<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says-14481\/#How_to_incorporate_this_habit\" >How to incorporate this habit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physical_exercise_a_habit_that_can_add_years\"><\/span>Physical exercise, a habit that can add years<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Recent advances in epigenetics have enabled researchers to determine &#8220;biological age&#8221;, a metric that can differ from our chronological age. The benefits of physical activity extend beyond burning calories and can slow the internal clock at a cellular level.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Slowing_down_your_bodys_clock\"><\/span>Slowing down your body&#8217;s clock<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regular exercise influences your biological aging process by modulating gene expression and enhancing mitochondrial function. As Topol explains, it&#8217;s not about becoming an elite athlete but rather about <strong>incorporating consistent movement<\/strong> that signals your body to operate in a more youthful manner. This measurable effect distinguishes exercise from other health-promoting habits.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Boosting_cognitive_function\"><\/span>Boosting cognitive function<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In addition to the physical benefits, exercise plays a crucial role in <strong>enhancing brain health and cognitive vitality<\/strong>. It increases blood flow to the brain, boosting the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients that stimulate neurogenesis and elevate levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.<\/p>\n<p>This enhancement in neuroplasticity fosters <strong>sharper memory, improved learning abilities, and heightened mental clarity<\/strong>. Moreover, a consistent exercise routine has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, ensuring that mental function is preserved as you age.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fending_off_major_diseases\"><\/span>Fending off major diseases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Physical activity also helps you healthily enjoy those added years. Topol emphasizes its considerable power in preventing life-shortening conditions such as heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.\u00a0Besides, regular exercise aids in <strong>managing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and even alleviating mood disorders<\/strong> such as depression.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_incorporate_this_habit\"><\/span>How to incorporate this habit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The good news is that you don&#8217;t need extreme or exhaustive workouts to enjoy these benefits. Topol endorses the widely accepted recommendation of engaging in <strong>30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week<\/strong>, while also stressing that even two sessions per week offer measurable benefits.<\/p>\n<p>He specifically advocates for incorporating two types of exercise: <strong>resistance training to build muscle mass and grip strength exercises<\/strong> to serve as indicators of vitality and resilience. Additionally, improving balance is a crucial aspect for preventing falls and maintaining independence as we age.<\/p>\n<p>For muscle strengthening, consider low-impact resistance exercises using <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/sports\/training\/this-is-the-best-exercise-equipment-for-seniors-with-limited-mobility-according-to-experts-10151\/\">resistance bands<\/a>, light dumbbells, or bodyweight movements<\/strong> like wall push-ups and chair squats. These modalities not only bolster muscle mass but also improve joint stability and mobility. To enhance grip strength, activities such as using hand grip exercisers, squeezing a stress ball, or even light kettlebell exercises can be highly effective.<\/p>\n<p>For Topol, the evidence is overwhelming. While a nutritious diet, strong social ties, and mental stimulation contribute to overall well-being, nothing matches the direct, proven impact of regular physical activity on decelerating aging and extending healthspan. Incorporating consistent movement, with <strong>a clear focus on building strength and balance<\/strong>, remains the most effective strategy for anyone aspiring to enjoy a longer, healthier life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr Eric Topol, a renowned US cardiologist, geneticist, and authority in cardiovascular research, has spent decades studying &#8220;super-agers&#8221;, individuals who continue to thrive well past 80. His extensive research highlights one exceptional practice common among these extraordinary elders. While acknowledging that balanced nutrition, social connection, and cognitive engagement are important, there&#8217;s one daily habit that &#8230; <a title=\"The super-elderly adopt this habit to boost longevity and maintain good health, US cardiologist says\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-super-elderly-adopt-this-habit-to-boost-longevity-and-maintain-good-health-us-cardiologist-says-14481\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The super-elderly adopt this habit to boost longevity and maintain good health, US cardiologist says\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":14483,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14481"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14520,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14481\/revisions\/14520"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}