FIT FOR LIFE
Exercising at least three times a week doesn’t just up your fitness levels and improve your weight; according to a new study, it combats stress and even slows ageing. US researchers recruited 68 people who cared for family members with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and reported feeling stressed. After exercising at a gym three to five times a week for six months, the caregivers improved their fitness, reduced their BMI and slimmed their waist. They also felt less stressed and, at a cellular level, had longer telomeres – these protect our chromosomes, and shortening of them is linked with all aspects of ageing. So if you want to keep fit and young, regular exercise is the key.