The Ministry of Health talked about a proven way to preserve youth

One of the most scientifically proven ways to prolong youth is physical activity. Even if you simply stop using the elevator, the risk of death from any cause is reduced by 32%. Olga Tkacheva, MD, Professor, Chief freelance geriatrician of the Russian Ministry of Health, President of the Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians, told about this in the new issue of the Izvestia podcast.

"The most proven way to slow down brain aging is physical activity. Myokine proteins are released, and among the myokines there are so-called neurotrophic factors that stimulate brain function and preserve neuroplasticity. There are a lot of publications and reviews that prove that physical activity prevents Alzheimer's disease," says the professor.

According to her, if a person does not move much, this is the path to aging. To maintain muscles, you need to follow certain rules.

"150-300 minutes of aerobic exercise is mandatory. It can be walking, running, cycling, swimming. Strength training two or three times a week, for the elderly we also recommend balance exercises," advises the geriatrician.

But even just by increasing the duration of hiking, you can positively influence your condition, said the guest of the podcast.

"Stop taking elevators and public transport when you can walk. You need to walk 10,000 steps a day. It has been proven that children who played sports have a much lower risk of developing dementia in adulthood, and the effect persists for many years," the expert noted.

She also noted that it is never too late to take up sports, even if a person led a passive lifestyle until old age.

"At any stage of life, physical activity will affect your prognosis. In old age, the doctor will help you choose the appropriate loads. It is necessary to practice, starting with the loads that a person endures, and gradually increase the intensity," she said.

Tkacheva also stressed that a person's inner attitude and goal-setting are very important for preserving youth.

"You can't tell yourself that everything is over, my life is over, I no longer have any goals or objectives, I don't dream of anything, everything, I have achieved everything. As soon as you tell yourself that, old age begins from that moment, and it doesn't depend on your passport," she stated.

Earlier, the government announced plans to launch campaigns to combat negative stereotypes about the elderly. In particular, with their help, it is planned to raise the social status of pensioners and maintain a respectful attitude towards them in society.

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