11/06/2026
Dr Walter Bortz famously said: “Physical activity is the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth.”
Indeed, people are staying active much longer. This April, Sport England’s Active Lives survey found that 2.1 million more 55 to 74-year-olds are active compared to their 2015 survey. Lifting weights, dancing, taking the stairs, cycling: these all help counteract muscle loss and also protect weakening bones. Exercise supports the heart, too – and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of 13 types of cancer, dementia and depression, according to Cancer Research UK.
So, a 50-year-old hitting the gym three times a week, eating a balanced diet, sleeping well and managing stress – the hallmarks of a healthy life – could arguably have a more resilient and youthful body than a 25-year-old, sitting indoors all day (and night) playing on an Xbox, drinking sugary drinks and eating fast food.
The more we move our bodies every day, the younger they’ll stay