The evidence continues to grow that exercise is good for you and can help, along with diet, in preventing premature death from a wide range of the grim reaper’s agents:
https://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2018/03/23/exercise-in-old-age-strengthens-immunity-heart.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20180323Z3&et_cid=DM194029&et_rid=251825782
“New research once again underscores the value of and need your body has for regular exercise. In one study,1 older adults who exercised regularly were shown to have stronger immune systems, as evidenced by higher T-cell activity, than their non-exercising peers. While you might expect such a result, researchers found the immune function of this particular group of very active adult cyclists, ages 55 to 79, to be comparable to young adults in their 20s! Related research indicates a pattern of lifelong exercise also enables you to retain healthy levels of muscle mass, muscle strength, body fat and cholesterol as you age.
In a separate study,2 moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise at least four days a week was shown to boost the heart health and circulatory function of middle-aged adults, as compared to more moderate exercise three days a week. If you have been putting off exercise, now is the time to reprioritize it, especially if you’re over 45. One researcher called these middle years the “sweet spot” for your heart and blood vessels because they still have some plasticity, and exercise promotes elasticity and oxygen flow. Whatever you do, reduce the amount of time you spend sitting and look for ways to get more exercise and movement into your daily routine. You’re certain to feel better and your immune system and heart will thank you.”
A more recent study has shown that even an hour of exercise a day can cut your risk of premature dying by 57 percent:
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/935661/health-exercise-death-risk-study-NHS-hour-daily
Those who did 100 minutes a day, cut their risk by 75 percent. You need not be lifting weights or punching a punching bag, things which were beyond me even 40 years ago. Walking around the block, taking a swim, or going up stairs, all count. Every step adds up. Combine all of that with all of the diet and supplement tips I have been giving (editor, wouldn’t it be nice to put all of this in a little booklet for us grey haired set?), and you are good to go! Well, maybe for a few more years, yet!