American Aging Association Conference 2001

[Guest guest]

The latest issue of the Life Extension Magazine had a really good

summary of the AGE 2001 Conference.

In short:

1) Exercise prevents pathology, but does not extend maximum lifespan.

- Exercising rats looked like restricted rats and lived longer than

sedentary ad-lib rats, but not as long as sedentary restricted rats.

(But the exercising ad-lib rats had less bodyfat than sedentary

restriced rats and dated a lot more

2) Caloric restriction prevents pathology and increases maximum

lifespan.

3) Caloric restriction plus exercise did not lengthen or shorten

lifespan compared to caloric restriction alone.

- Rate of living theory of aging states that a faster metabolism will

shorten lifespan. This study found that exercise did not undue the

beneficial effects of restriction. (This was the good news for me)

They also discussed the effects of various nutrients such as green

tea, chocolate, and blueberries among others. One thing new I learned

was that blueberries may become more bioavailable if they are cooked.

I've been eating them frozen in a smoothie for a long time. I guess

I'll try cooking them in my oatmeal.

Overall it was a good report and worth reading, especially since

caloric restriction recieved center stage as the best method for

boosting healthy life span as well as maximum life span in every

category investigated.

-Matt