This chapter explores the intricate relationship between physical exercise and human longevity through the lens of physiological mechanisms. Longevity is influenced by a constellation of factors, among which regular physical activity stands out as a powerful, modifiable determinant. The chapter examines how exercise promotes healthy aging by inducing systemic and cellular adaptations that support physiological resilience and reduce the risk of chronic diseases commonly associated with aging, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Key physiological responses to regular exercise such as enhanced mitochondrial function, improved cardiovascular and metabolic efficiency, reduced systemic inflammation, and upregulated antioxidant defences are discussed in detail. The role of exercise in maintaining homeostasis, preserving muscle mass and function (sarcopenia prevention), and supporting neuroplasticity and cognitive health is also highlighted. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the concept of health span the portion of life spent in good health as a critical component of longevity, emphasizing that exercise contributes not only to increased lifespan but also to improved quality of life in later years. By integrating current research and biological principles, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of how regular physical activity serves as a cornerstone of strategies aimed at extending both lifespan and health span. It underscores the importance of exercise across the lifespan and offers insights into how early and sustained engagement in physical activity can influence aging trajectories at the molecular, systemic, and functional levels.
Exercise, Longevity, Physical activity, Health, Physiology, Aging
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