(Newser)
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People who exercise don't just feel younger, they clinically are younger—by up to 10 years, according to a new study. And while exercise slows the aging process, a sedentary lifestyle accelerates it, reports the Daily Telegraph. The findings are "a message that could be used by clinicians to promote the anti-aging effect of regular exercise," said the lead researcher.
The study looked at 2,401 twins and concluded that people who did 199 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous exercise like running or tennis were physically 10 years younger than those who did 15 minutes or less. The protective covers of chromosomes, called telomeres, shorten with age. People who exercise were found to have longer, younger telomeres.
