Olympic champions exhibit slower epigenetic ageing compared to non-champions, with rigorous, long-term exercise from adolescence showing beneficial effects on DNA methylation. This suggests elite athletes may experience decelerated ageing, reduced disease risk, and improved healthspan, highlighting the potential of intense physical activity in promoting longevity and wellness.
November 2024 – GeroScience
Key takeaways
- Olympic champions age slower epigenetically: Olympic champions show slower epigenetic ageing compared to non-champions, as measured by advanced DNA methylation clocks. This suggests that intense, long-term physical activity from adolescence may decelerate biological ageing, potentially reducing the risk of age-related diseases and promoting longer healthspan
- Gender differences in ageing among athletes: Male Olympic champions who recently won medals exhibit slower epigenetic ageing, while female champions show the opposite trend. This highlights potential gender-specific responses to intense physical activity, which could influence personalised approaches to exercise and longevity strategies
- Sport-specific impacts on epigenetic ageing: Wrestlers show faster epigenetic ageing compared to gymnasts, fencers, and water polo players. This may be linked to differences in training intensity, nutrition, or weight management practices, suggesting that the type of sport and associated lifestyle factors play a role in biological ageing
- Exercise influences key ageing-related genes: Olympic champions exhibit distinct DNA methylation patterns in genes related to synaptic health, immune function, and cancer prevention. These epigenetic changes may underlie the health benefits of elite-level exercise, offering insights into how physical activity can modulate ageing at a molecular level
Read the article at: Radák, Zsolt, et al. “Slowed Epigenetic Ageing in Olympic Champions Compared to Non-Champions.” GeroScience, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01440-5.
