Exercise: Powerful Medicine for Health and Aging, with Dr. Stuart Phillips

Imagine a pill that reduced the risk and improved prognosis for all known chronic diseases; it would work regardless of current risk, race, gender, or age. We don't need to test this pill as a large body of data shows its effectiveness. Other beneficial side effects of this pill include reduced anxiety, depression, and improved sleep. Such a pill would be the world's most widely prescribed medication. Sadly, there is no such pill. However, all these benefits come with greater participation in physical activity, defined as anything that makes our muscles burn more energy. Alternatively, perhaps even better, when we exercise: the purposeful practice of activity to gain/maintain fitness or strength.
Join renowned kinesiology researcher, Dr. Stuart Phillips, to learn about how much (or how little) people have to do to improve their odds of living longer, healthier and better lives.
Learn the answers to the following questions:
0:00 What do you want your last 10 years of life to look like?
6:24 What is active or successful aging?
11:43 What are the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines, and why do they matter?
24:25 What about strength training?
35:10 What should you do to age well?
42:05 Is there such a thing as too much exercise?
44:50 What is the role of stretching and balance exercises?
47:15 What about getting 10,000 steps per day?
49:11 Is it ever too late to start exercising again?
50:30 Can age-related muscle loss be reversed?
52:01 Does the type of exercise you do make a difference?
54:50 What are the recommendations for those with specific health conditions or mobility issues?
This talk is presented as a partnership between the Optimal Aging Portal and the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Disclaimer: These videos are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The videos may be used for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal ([e-mail]).