Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (171 page)

Many of the bodily changes we associate with aging have nothing to do with aging per se. Decreased muscle mass and increased fat may be normal in this culture, but these conditions are not necessarily natural—and we needn’t expect them. They are caused by inactivity and the cumulative effects of glycemic stress and insulin resistance, accompanied by a mind-set that expects us to grow weaker as we age. That mind-set is a belief, not a scientific truth. I am actually more flexible and fit now than when I was in my twenties!

Unfortunately, our own “tribe” collectively believes that we are supposed to fall apart when we hit fifty. We have no culturally supported tradition that teaches us that we can improve with age. Though countless exceptions to this rule exist, we still suffer under the collective delusion about what happens to our bodies with age.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

Joanne Cannon, a wellness educator, defines physical prowess as “the ability to meet the physical demands of one’s day, plus one emer gency.” I like that definition because it is so individualized. Feeling strong and capable is an essential ingredient to building health. Studies show that women who are moderately physically active enjoy the following benefits more than sedentary women.
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Lower levels of C-reactive protein, a sign of inflammation that has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease and some cancers
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Lower overall cancer rates and better immune system function (more white blood cells and increased levels of immunoglobulins)
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Decreased risk of breast cancer (women who exercise at least four hours per week have been shown to have a 37 percent reduction in risk for breast cancer
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and those with a lean body mass index—less than 22.8—who regularly exercise have 72 percent less risk of breast cancer)
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A life expectancy that is on average seven years longer;
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a 2005 study in the
New England Journal of Medicine
showed that asymptomatic women who weren’t fit had twice the risk of premature death of those who were fit
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Significant reduction in heart attack and stroke risk secondary to beneficial effect of exercise on blood vessel function
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Less depression and anxiety, and better mental efficiency and speed (higher IQ scores are associated with exercise in some studies)
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Improved cognitive function in middle age and beyond
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More relaxation, more assertiveness, more spontaneity and enthusiasm; a better attitude about their bodies and better self-acceptance
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Stronger bones, increased bone thickness, increased bone mass, and increased ability of the bone to resist mechanical stress and fracture
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More restful sleep
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Higher self-esteem
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Much more satisfying sex
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