Although a novice to television Edward Enfield has done rather well in his new semi-retired career. Once a Local Government Officer, he still needs all the stamina and mental alertness he can get. So Ever Wondered sent him to find out what happens when we age and if you can really hold back the years...

First port of call - Edward’s local gym. What are the benefits of exercising? Edward meets up with fitness instructor Claire Dawson at an Elderly Fitness Class to find out...

Claire Dawson holds a Diploma in Fitness and Exercise from the YMCA and is an accomplished personal trainer.

Claire Dawson: The saying "If you don’t work it - you lose it" is very true with exercise. Playing sports regularly works the heart and lungs, it improves circulation and keeps you mobile. This helps you to be independent which is very important as you get older.

So exercise can keep you physically fit, but what’s actually happening to our bodies when we age. Why do we feel the same but not look the same?

In order to find out - next stop a little light refreshment with Biological Gerontologist Professor Tom Kirkwood...

Professor Tom Kirkwood is an expert on Biological Gerontology at Manchester University. He is currently researching the molecular and cellular basis of the ageing process

Edward: What is ageing?

Professor Kirkwood: Ageing is surprisingly hard to pin down. Proteins are being damaged, DNA and membranes are being damaged. Each individual event that causes the damage is tiny, of no great significance in itself, but it’s the build up that matters.

Edward: What can I do to turn back the clock?

Professor Kirkwood: It’s harder to claw back lost youth than it is to slow the ravages of ageing. One of the faults associated with ageing is damage done by oxygen, so if we take foods rich in anti-oxidants these can help to combat some of the damage that has contributed to ageing.

Edward: Can I claw back any of my lost youth though?

Professor Kirkwood: You can certainly slow the clock, turning it back is more complicated - it depends on where you started. Exercise can be very important as it keeps the heart and lungs in good shape. Some evidence shows that the benefits of exercising can actually slow down the process that causes ageing to occur in cells.

Edward: What about my mind?

Professor Kirkwood: Some evidence also shows that exercising the mind can slow the advances of ageing, such as working on a crossword puzzle. This reinforces the connection between the nerve cells and through these connections we can keep our sense of identity and memory preserved. In fact exercising your mind like this does the same thing as a glass of carrot juice does for the body.

Edward: So the answer to old age is the three Cs - Constant exercise, Carrot Juice and Crosswords!

If, examining the contested nature of health and the key aspects of health work in different cultural, historical and policy frameworks appeals to you, then have a look at course K203 Working for Health.

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