Evolutionary biologists reveal how exercise unlocks human longevity
Evolutionary researchers argue that lifelong activity helps explain why [[humans]] live long after reproduction, proposing in a paper led by [[Daniel Lieberman]] at [[Harvard University]] and published in the [[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences]] that physical activity promotes longevity through two routes: by allocating energy away from excess fat and reproductive costs and by stimulating repair and maintenance processes. Comparing active hunter-gatherers like the [[Hadza]] and relatively sedentary [[chimpanzees]], the authors suggest our bodies evolved to be moderately active into older ages to provision kin, and that modern inactivity—desk jobs, cars, low steps—creates mismatches that increase obesity, inflammation, and chronic disease. The practical take-away is that regular moderate exercise across the lifespan may preserve the evolved advantage of prolonged postreproductive survival. Policy and cultural changes to encourage activity in older adults are recommended.