How Cycling Can Slow the Aging Process

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Who doesn't love a cycle ride down a narrow path on a cold, slightly windy morning?! Cycling is easily one of the popular and enjoyable forms of physical activity. It offers numerous benefits to people of all ages!

In addition to this, did you know that cycling can slow the ageing process?

While it might not grant eternal youth scientists have found that regular cycling can slow the ageing process and keep your muscles and immune system healthy well into your golden years.

Age-Related Muscle Decline

Aging, it turns out, can do a number on your muscles. Humans typically lose muscle mass as they get older [1]. Fat and connective tissue also start invading, affecting the muscles ability to contract. Furthermore, muscles can no longer suck up oxygen at the same rates.

Can Regular Exercise Slow Down Muscle Decline?

However, a study questioned if these age-related muscle declines are inevitable or if regular exercise—cycling in this case—can slow down or even reverse them.

The Study on Cyclists' Muscles

To figure this out, researchers at Kings College in London biopsied the vastus lateralis muscle—the largest and most powerful part of the quad—in 125 male and female cyclists [2]. Participants were all between 55 and 79 years old and deemed highly active (meaning the men could bike at least 62 miles at 15 mph, and the women 37 miles at 7 mph twice within three weeks).

Positive Findings from Muscle Analysis

The researchers then analysed muscle properties related to aerobic function and explosive muscle power. They found that, compared to sedentary populations, the cyclists showed less age-related muscle deterioration. That is, at the tissue level, muscle mass and strength stayed intact.

Cycling and the Immune System

A second study turned the researcher's attention to the immune system, which can also decline as you age. Specifically, your thymus—the part of your body that produces white blood cells—begins to shrink. It then produces fewer cells, meaning your body gradually loses the ability to protect itself against disease.

The Effect of Cycling on Immunity

This trend, however, has been observed primarily in inactive populations, so the researchers wanted to see whether regular cycling could help prevent it. They compared blood samples from the same group of cyclists with blood from 75 older sedentary adults (aged 57-80) and 55 younger sedentary adults (aged 20-36).

Cyclists' Immune Systems Act 'Younger'

They found that while cycling didn't protect against every single measure of immune-system decline, the cyclists had white blood cell levels comparable to those of the younger control group—meaning that their immune systems were acting 'younger.'

Physical Activity and Aging Process

These studies are only two of many that demonstrate how a physical activity like cycling can slow the ageing process. One 2017 study found that high-intensity interval cycling increased mitochondrial capacity—a big deal when it comes to ageing, as the decline of these organelles leads to the onset of age-related disease.

Exercise and Telomere Length

Another study from 2017 found that regular vigorous exercise protected telomere length. Shortened telomeres are what causes cell death—i.e., ageing—and those who exercised saved themselves up to nine years of cellular deterioration.

So, yes, regular cycling can help reduce the ageing process by directly influencing your muscle strength. What are you waiting for then? Grab your cycle, helmet and enjoy the ride to longevity!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.