**Official Longevity Thread** (1 Viewer)

[Terminalxylem]

NY Times article on caloric restriction and longevity

 

[3C's]

From the NYT article linked above: Research consistently finds that people who are classified as overweight have a lower risk of death than those who are normal or underweight.

Fatties rejoice!

 

[Joe Bryant]

Not really a fan of learning via podcasts, but this is a really good one about exercise and longevity. It hits upon the major talking points about the type/intensity/duration with practical applications of exercise physiology data, with scientific references sprinkled throughout. I definitely learned something.

Thanks. Can you give us a summary? Thanks.

please

A lot of stuff that’s been mentioned before:

Exercise is really important for healthy aging; physical fitness is one of the best predictors of all-cause mortality.

Being elite physically, as measured by vO2 max, improves survival five-fold over the least fit. And the biggest benefit is seen between the least fit and second lowest fitness quintile, so you don’t have to be an Olympian to get a lot of bang for your exercise buck.

For comparison purposes, smoking, or having diabetes increases risk of death ~40%.

It’s important to exercise regularly, both at a basal level (Zone 2, like brisk walking, where you can speak comfortably while exercising) and at lactate threshold (all out, HR zone 4/5, like 4 minute run/walk intervals). The latter helps bump up vO2 max, and may stave off dementia via something called BDNF.

150-300 minutes/week of mild-moderate exercise, or half as much high intensity + 2 sessions of strength training/week is recommended.

Resistance training is also associated with longevity. Both cardiovascular and strength training stimulate adaptations which preserve muscle, which is critical as we enter old age (65+).

Being sedentary for extended periods is detrimental to health. The podcast guest recommended exercise “snacks” - activity, rather than sitting, every 30 minutes at work.

Thank you. The one I see differing opinions on, and one I care about is the how much high intensity is needed. Seems like some talk just regular walking is enough but others say no, that you also must have the high intensity.

 

[notoriousbill]

Not really a fan of learning via podcasts, but this is a really good one about exercise and longevity. It hits upon the major talking points about the type/intensity/duration with practical applications of exercise physiology data, with scientific references sprinkled throughout. I definitely learned something.

Thanks. Can you give us a summary? Thanks.

please

A lot of stuff that’s been mentioned before:

Exercise is really important for healthy aging; physical fitness is one of the best predictors of all-cause mortality.

Being elite physically, as measured by vO2 max, improves survival five-fold over the least fit. And the biggest benefit is seen between the least fit and second lowest fitness quintile, so you don’t have to be an Olympian to get a lot of bang for your exercise buck.

For comparison purposes, smoking, or having diabetes increases risk of death ~40%.

It’s important to exercise regularly, both at a basal level (Zone 2, like brisk walking, where you can speak comfortably while exercising) and at lactate threshold (all out, HR zone 4/5, like 4 minute run/walk intervals). The latter helps bump up vO2 max, and may stave off dementia via something called BDNF.

150-300 minutes/week of mild-moderate exercise, or half as much high intensity + 2 sessions of strength training/week is recommended.

Resistance training is also associated with longevity. Both cardiovascular and strength training stimulate adaptations which preserve muscle, which is critical as we enter old age (65+).

Being sedentary for extended periods is detrimental to health. The podcast guest recommended exercise “snacks” - activity, rather than sitting, every 30 minutes at work.

Thank you. The one I see differing opinions on, and one I care about is the how much high intensity is needed. Seems like some talk just regular walking is enough but others say no, that you also must have the high intensity.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) will improve VO2, where just simply walking, while great to do, won't improve VO2. VO2 takes a long time to improve as well, it just doesn't happen overnight.

I hope this helps.

 

[brun]

From the NYT article linked above: Research consistently finds that people who are classified as overweight have a lower risk of death than those who are normal or underweight.

Fatties rejoice!

I knew if I stayed committed there would be a payoff.

 

[Terminalxylem]

From the NYT article linked above: Research consistently finds that people who are classified as overweight have a lower risk of death than those who are normal or underweight.

Fatties rejoice!

It also mentions some problems with that finding, not the least of which is undiagnosed disease being the cause of weight loss, and smokers being included in early studies. When smokers and people diagnosed with stuff like cancer contributing to weight loss are excluded, the healthiest BMI is between 20-22, or possibly lower.

In other words, non-smokers who are thin voluntarily tend to live the longest.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Not really a fan of learning via podcasts, but this is a really good one about exercise and longevity. It hits upon the major talking points about the type/intensity/duration with practical applications of exercise physiology data, with scientific references sprinkled throughout. I definitely learned something.

Thanks. Can you give us a summary? Thanks.

please

A lot of stuff that’s been mentioned before:

Exercise is really important for healthy aging; physical fitness is one of the best predictors of all-cause mortality.

Being elite physically, as measured by vO2 max, improves survival five-fold over the least fit. And the biggest benefit is seen between the least fit and second lowest fitness quintile, so you don’t have to be an Olympian to get a lot of bang for your exercise buck.

For comparison purposes, smoking, or having diabetes increases risk of death ~40%.

It’s important to exercise regularly, both at a basal level (Zone 2, like brisk walking, where you can speak comfortably while exercising) and at lactate threshold (all out, HR zone 4/5, like 4 minute run/walk intervals). The latter helps bump up vO2 max, and may stave off dementia via something called BDNF.

150-300 minutes/week of mild-moderate exercise, or half as much high intensity + 2 sessions of strength training/week is recommended.

Resistance training is also associated with longevity. Both cardiovascular and strength training stimulate adaptations which preserve muscle, which is critical as we enter old age (65+).

Being sedentary for extended periods is detrimental to health. The podcast guest recommended exercise “snacks” - activity, rather than sitting, every 30 minutes at work.

Thank you. The one I see differing opinions on, and one I care about is the how much high intensity is needed. Seems like some talk just regular walking is enough but others say no, that you also must have the high intensity.

It's all a balance, as high intensity stuff is more likely to cause injury. And being injured can sideline you from consistent exercise, and/or cause chronic pain.

The video says both are important, and recommends a base of consistent low-moderate intensity exercise (like 30-60 minutes of walking a day), with a few (2-3) sessions of 4x4 minute high intensity intervals. Plus resistance exercise 2X/week (men tend to overdo this part of the equation, at the expense of CV fitness).

They go on to say you can use streetlights as markers for beginner intervals - walk from one to the next, then try briskly walking between the next two, followed by usual walking speed, etc. You gradually ramp up the quick speed segments, such that eventually you're sprinting between every other set of lights.

But @notoriousbill is right, vO2 max won't really budge with casual walking (unless you're starting from extremely deconditioned/sedentary).

All that said, you don't need to train for ultramarathons, or participate in CrossFit, to attain a decent vO2 max.

I prefer ramping up my HR walking hills, to avoid wear and tear on my joints. And while I won't be winning any races with the 10K guys, I also am probably less likely to need a knee replacement. I'm willing to accept that trade-off.

ETA Between walking hills, hiking, climbing, and skiing, in some combination, most days of the year, I've been able to attain a vO2 max around the 95th percentile for my age and gender (per iWatch estimates, which are ?validity).

 

[notoriousbill]

Not really a fan of learning via podcasts, but this is a really good one about exercise and longevity. It hits upon the major talking points about the type/intensity/duration with practical applications of exercise physiology data, with scientific references sprinkled throughout. I definitely learned something.

Thanks. Can you give us a summary? Thanks.

please

A lot of stuff that’s been mentioned before:

Exercise is really important for healthy aging; physical fitness is one of the best predictors of all-cause mortality.

Being elite physically, as measured by vO2 max, improves survival five-fold over the least fit. And the biggest benefit is seen between the least fit and second lowest fitness quintile, so you don’t have to be an Olympian to get a lot of bang for your exercise buck.

For comparison purposes, smoking, or having diabetes increases risk of death ~40%.

It’s important to exercise regularly, both at a basal level (Zone 2, like brisk walking, where you can speak comfortably while exercising) and at lactate threshold (all out, HR zone 4/5, like 4 minute run/walk intervals). The latter helps bump up vO2 max, and may stave off dementia via something called BDNF.

150-300 minutes/week of mild-moderate exercise, or half as much high intensity + 2 sessions of strength training/week is recommended.

Resistance training is also associated with longevity. Both cardiovascular and strength training stimulate adaptations which preserve muscle, which is critical as we enter old age (65+).

Being sedentary for extended periods is detrimental to health. The podcast guest recommended exercise “snacks” - activity, rather than sitting, every 30 minutes at work.

Thank you. The one I see differing opinions on, and one I care about is the how much high intensity is needed. Seems like some talk just regular walking is enough but others say no, that you also must have the high intensity.

It's all a balance, as high intensity stuff is more likely to cause injury. And being injured can sideline you from consistent exercise, and/or cause chronic pain.

The video says both are important, and recommends a base of consistent low-moderate intensity exercise (like 30-60 minutes of walking a day), with a few (2-3) sessions of 4x4 minute high intensity intervals. Plus resistance exercise 2X/week (men tend to overdo this part of the equation, at the expense of CV fitness).

They go on to say you can use streetlights as markers for beginner intervals - walk from one to the next, then try briskly walking between the next two, followed by usual walking speed, etc. You gradually ramp up the quick speed segments, such that eventually you're sprinting between every other set of lights.

But @notoriousbill is right, vO2 max won't really budge with casual walking (unless you're starting from extremely deconditioned/sedentary).

All that said, you don't need to train for ultramarathons, or participate in CrossFit, to attain a decent vO2 max.

I prefer ramping up my HR walking hills, to avoid wear and tear on my joints. And while I won't be winning any races with the 10K guys, I also am probably less likely to need a knee replacement. I'm willing to accept that trade-off.

ETA Between walking hills, hiking, climbing, and skiing, in some combination, most days of the year, I've been able to attain a vO2 max around the 95th percentile for my age and gender (per iWatch estimates, which are ?validity).

@Terminalxylem is spot on. Walking is very good, especially incorporating hills in the walks. That will get heart pumping for sure.

I started at over 300 lbs 3 years ago. Just did diet to start with and lost over 50 lbs. I then incorporated walking as a daily activity; I'd walk 4 miles every day (2 in morning and 2 at lunch). Lost over 50 more lbs. My VO2 was 28 (November 2022 - I was 56) which is well below average. I then started incorporating 1/4 mile "repeats" of walking and slow jogs. VO2 started going up gradually. By June 2023 it increased to 34 which put me in the Average category. I started running in June 2023 incorporating 5 mile Tempo Runs and 5-5.5 mile repeat runs into my workouts along with an Effort Run on Saturday and an easy run on Sunday. I do 4 miles on elliptical between Tempo Run and Repeats as well as between Repeats and Effort Run. I take a well deserved rest day every Monday. My weight is 175ish and VO2 is 40 which is Above Average for a 58 year old. My goal is to get it over 41.

I hope this helps and again, walking is an excellent way to get cardio in and can improve VO2 if you incorporate hills and some repeats into workout as well. Key is getting heart rate up and recovering , rinse and repeat...

 

[Joe Bryant]

Thought this was good. It's not exactly "longevity" but related.

https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/a-harvard-study-reveals-secret-to-health-happiness.html

If you want to lead a long, happy, and fulfilling life marked by good health and vitality, then you should take a close look at the Harvard Study of Adult Development. This is one of the longest-running studies of adult life, having started in 1938. Over the past 85-plus years, the study has followed the lives of more than 700 original participants and over 1,300 of their descendants.

The study's main goal was to identify the key factors contributing to human happiness and well-being. Researchers collected vast amounts of data through interviews, medical exams, questionnaires, and even brain scans, tracking various aspects of the participants' lives, such as physical health, mental health, career, relationships, and overall satisfaction.

The secret to good health and happiness in five words​

Robert Waldinger, the study director, whose TED Talk has been viewed nearly 50 million times, said one of the study's most significant findings is that the quality of our relationships has a profound impact on our well-being.

The quality of our relationships.
Waldinger and his research team were amazed to discover that individuals who had the strongest bonds with others tended to lead happier, healthier, and longer lives as they aged. In turn, having good relationships was the most important factor in predicting who would enjoy a fulfilled and healthy life in old age.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Thought this was good. It's not exactly "longevity" but related.

https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/a-harvard-study-reveals-secret-to-health-happiness.html

If you want to lead a long, happy, and fulfilling life marked by good health and vitality, then you should take a close look at the Harvard Study of Adult Development. This is one of the longest-running studies of adult life, having started in 1938. Over the past 85-plus years, the study has followed the lives of more than 700 original participants and over 1,300 of their descendants.

The study's main goal was to identify the key factors contributing to human happiness and well-being. Researchers collected vast amounts of data through interviews, medical exams, questionnaires, and even brain scans, tracking various aspects of the participants' lives, such as physical health, mental health, career, relationships, and overall satisfaction.

The secret to good health and happiness in five words​

Robert Waldinger, the study director, whose TED Talk has been viewed nearly 50 million times, said one of the study's most significant findings is that the quality of our relationships has a profound impact on our well-being.

The quality of our relationships.
Waldinger and his research team were amazed to discover that individuals who had the strongest bonds with others tended to lead happier, healthier, and longer lives as they aged. In turn, having good relationships was the most important factor in predicting who would enjoy a fulfilled and healthy life in old age.

Yep, connectedness/sense of community is a prominent component of all “Blue Zones”.

But what are practical ways to improve the quality of one’s relationships?

Better communication, and prioritizing time with friends and family immediately come to mind. I think ending nonproductive/non-enriching relationships is also important.

Your link details several other strategies to cultivate good relationships. Rather than cut and paste, people should read it, and watch the TED talk. Thanks, Joe.

 

[Northern Voice]

It's interesting to me that they seem to universally agree on the importance of strength training. I've gotten into doing more lately but always figured cardiovascular health had more long term effect with its direct impact on heart / lungs.

I tend to not want to take drugs or supplements but I'm intrigued by the research there. You hear about people taking statins, metformin and I'm sure now ozempic preventatively will that become a more common practice?

I'm thinking about picking up either Attia or Sinclair's book.

 

[notoriousbill]

Rhonda Patrick is also a great source of information. Here is a video on Longetivity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uttq6clVSb0