From Anti-aging to Pro-living

In the 21st century, we live in an era obsessed with anti-aging. From the supplements we consume to the creams we rub into our skin, society fixates on staying youthful. Yet, we often overlook what it means to age well. The global average life expectancy hovers around 71 years, but our maximum biological potential stretches up to 122 years. If we could embrace methods to age optimally, we might see a 71% increase in our lifespan. Fascinating how those numbers align.

But why strive for a longer life? Is it truly about living well? Our increasingly sedentary behavior coincides perfectly with a rise in non-communicable diseases, all tied to a lack of movement. As I emphasize in my book Made to Move, every facet of human existence improves when we move more. So, let’s take a closer look at what this means on a cellular level.

As we age, many of us experience fatigue and a lack of energy. Energy in biological life derives from mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. Each cell can contain anywhere from 10 to tens of thousands of mitochondria. Energy cannot be created, only exchanged, and mitochondria are crucial in this process. They take carbohydrates from our food and facilitate energy exchange, releasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Our aging process is closely related to mitochondrial function. The better we care for our mitochondria, the better we age. New mitochondria flourish when we engage in physical activity, especially the right types of exercise at appropriate intensities. Exercise that isn’t overly exhaustive helps us develop fresh mitochondria, boosting our energy levels and defying age-related norms.

Much of life is about what we accept. If we accept fatigue and lack of energy as part of aging, we miss out on truly living. While many invest in anti-aging creams for smoother skin, they neglect the deeper aspects of aging well. Poor food choices and lack of exercise lead to inflammation, creating an optimal environment for mitochondrial dysfunction and other cellular issues.

So, why would you want to live longer? Is it because you’re immersed in life, taking advantage of every day? Exercise isn’t just a task—it’s a joy, a way to engage with the world, and a means to live better and longer. The goal is to live as well as we can for as long as we can, not just to extend life out of fear of death. We should want to extend life because we love life, because we want to experience more.

The joy of being alive is phenomenal. Embrace the sunrises, the sunsets, the wind on your face, the rain on your skin. Relish being around loved ones, running across a field, playing with your children or grandchildren. Physical activity reinvigorates us at a cellular level, driving the production of better-formed mitochondria and equipping us with more energy to live fully.

There’s no point in dragging out life to 122 years if it means enduring fatigue, discomfort, and poor health. Life should be vibrant, full of involvement and participation. When we move more, exercise, and make better food choices, we literally rejuvenate ourselves at a cellular level. We create tens of thousands of new mitochondria in every one of our trillions of cells, giving us the energy and appetite to live fully.

So, take a moment. Look at the nearest hill, focus on the top, and walk up there. Embrace being alive on this remarkable planet. Know that by doing so, you’re reinvigorating thousands of mitochondria, setting yourself up to be a better you tomorrow.