Exercise attenuates the hallmarks of aging: Novel perspectives

Abstract

The number and proportion of individuals aged 60 years and older are steadily increasing. However, increased life expectancy is accompanied by a decline in functional capacity and a heightened risk of age-related diseases, ultimately leading to reduced quality of life. Interventions that support physiological function in later life and hence extend healthspan are therefore of considerable importance. Among these, regular physical exercise is strongly associated with numerous health benefits and is recognized as a key strategy for promoting healthy aging and extending healthspan. In this review, we highlight the impact of an active lifestyle, particularly regular physical activity, on the major hallmarks of aging. These include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, impaired macroautophagy, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, changes in the extracellular matrix, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, dysbiosis, and psychosocial isolation. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which exercise confers these benefits will aid in enhancing both physical and mental health in the elderly and in mitigating the onset of aging-associated diseases.