It takes two to tango
You know that I'm committed to the importance of social connection (posse) and of exercise to fight off premature aging and achieve a younger ActualAge. (See 4YOUngevity.com to calculate yours). Having a supportive posse can keep you many years younger and physical activity transforms your physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. And now we know if you do the two together, they reinforce each other and you get greater benefits.
Researchers at Texas A&M University did a deep dive into studies on health behaviors and found that an active social life and supportive relationships encourage folks to stay physically active -- and physically active folks tend to have more supportive and health-promoting social interactions. A win-win for sure.
Unfortunately, only around 28% of older Americans get the recommended minimum 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week, or a combination of both. And a 2023 poll shows that 37% of folks ages 50 to 80 years old experience loneliness and 34% report feeling socially isolated at least some of the time.
If that's you, you can take steps to increase both your physical activity and your social interactions at the same time with a wide assortment of activities available through AmeriCorps Seniors (800-942-2677); America's Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal at volunteer.gov, and Experience Corps/AARP Foundation at experiencecorps.org. And to stay up with the latest information on achieving a younger ActualAge, check out 4YOUngevity.com and the site's AI coaching program (with yours truly) and sign up for my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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