We like to say it’s never too late to start exercising to enjoy the health benefits it brings, like reducing disease and even improving your life span.

Now, the National Institutes of Health has offered fresh support for that fact.

“Physical activity reduces the risk of many chronic illnesses and increases the odds of a longer, healthier life,” the NIH says. “But it hasn’t been clear whether the benefits of exercise differ based on when during their lives people are most active.”

Scientists examined data from 300,000 people ages 50-71 who joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study that started in the mid-1990s. The survey gathered information about their levels of physical activity at different stages of life. The survey followed participants through 2011 and recorded deaths from any cause as well as deaths from heart disease or cancer.

Among the unexpected findings is news that’s good for anyone who hasn’t been especially active yet.

“People who were inactive as teens and young adults but increased physical activity in middle age saw the same reduced risk of death as those who stayed active from adolescence onward,” the NIH wrote.

“These results add to evidence that becoming active later in life can provide substantial health benefits.”

So, there’s no support to saying, “I’m over 50 – it’s too late for me.” Physical activity improves health at any age. Find a certified functional aging specialist near you

Get going; TODAY!

And if you’re already working out regularly, keep it up!

Want to live longer, but you’re always complaining about getting older? Then change how you feel about aging.

People with negative attitudes about getting older lose 7.5 years from their lifetime.

That’s the message of Amy Gorely, who was the closing keynote speaker recently at the Functional Aging Summit.

Amy is the director of community relations at North Carolina’s largest continuing care retirement community. She has launched a nationwide campaign, “Be Bold, Claim Old,” to fight ageism and celebrate every age.

“If you live long enough, ageism will affect you. Aging is universal. It’s a human condition,” Amy said.

Ageism remains a socially acceptable prejudice, in ways that can seem harmless – like “funny” birthday cards implying we’re over-the-hill at 30.

The truth is much more encouraging. Amy cited studies that show life satisfaction increases with age for most people. And the parts of the brain responsible for knowledge and wisdom continue to grow as we age.

“What’s good for the body is also good for the mind,” she said.

That means exercise regularly.

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most older adults feel positive about their health. This positive attitude is true even though many have chronic conditions.

We define good health as more than just the absence of illness or impairment. As we age, we value independence and freedom to live the way we want.

Physical fitness is essential to maintaining autonomy and vitality. Don’t let negative thoughts get in your way.

Find a Certified Functional Aging Specialist near you- 

We share with you our 3 most frequently asked questions.

1.       How much does it cost? Currently, prices at YPB can range anywhere from $16.50 per standing repeating session to $3,000 for an individualized 90 day program that guarantees results. There are many and varied training modalities at all prices and for every budget.