My first relay race started off badly. I was the only one of my three person team on the field when the starters’ horn blared! Not only would I have to run until they arrived, everyone else was passing me like I was standing still. Worse, my derelict team members were my own son Kian and his girlfriend, Alyssa! Betrayed! 😄
Rounding the final turn of the second lap I was preparing for the worst when I saw Alyssa. I happily handed her the baton and she showed me how it was done! The family fun-run was, at times, more “fun” than “run”. Here’s Katelyn “coaching” Kian:
The Power of Exercise as a Longevity Drug
Huffing and puffing around the course, I didn’t realize it, but according to Dr. Peter Attia we were taking advantage of the Greatest Drug. According to research outlined in his recent best seller, “Outlive”, “Exercise is by far the most potent longevity “drug”. No other intervention does nearly as much to prolong our lifespan and preserve our cognitive and physical function.” page 17 Attia is trying to help his clients increase their health-span as opposed to just their lifespan as shown in the chart below and exercise is one of the main keys to extending it.
source: How to grow old like an athlete | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
Exercise’s Impact on Cognitive Health
I was surprised by how beneficial exercise is for cognitive health. Here’s what Attia has to say: “exercise has the greatest power to determine how you will live out the rest of your life…not only does it reverse physical decline, which I suppose is somewhat obvious, but it can slow or reverse cognitive decline as well… Going from zero to just ninety minutes per week can reduce your risk of dying from all causes by 14 percent. It’s very hard to find a drug that can do that for you.” page 217 emphasis added.
Maximizing Healthspan Through Physical Activity
That seems like Good News to me! I work hard to grow and guard your capital so that your wealth contributes to your happiness as you age. That’s honourable and important work – but how much more important is it for each of us to do the work to maximize our healthspan?
Here’s the whole Evans Crew (Briana’s fiance Sam cheered us on and took this picture).
As summer approaches, I hope you all can get out, enjoy the sun and get some of the Greatest Drug! Be sure to let us know what big (or little) exercise plans you have for the summer.
Cheers,
Glen
