I began counting how many people were moderately overweight to obese. It turned out to be seven out of 10. Why not read a book instead of this rather strange activity at the airport? I was being a bit of a statistician because I had just completed my manuscript on aging called ‘‘Kick Up Your Heels Before You’re Too Short to Wear Them!’’ One chapter focuses on exercise and its relationship to brain health and longevity. We spend an inordinate amount of time in this country on food intake and little time on caloric expenditure. Only 31.3 percent of people 18 and older in the United States

Most of the population would rather spend extra time looking for a parking space that is right next to the store than walk a few minutes. We will do anything not to move. Dishwashers, washing machines, drive-through eateries, remotes and a host of other time-saving mechanisms have created a nation of sloths.

What really turns me on about the latest research are a number of exciting new findings. Of primary importance is that you can gain as many as two hours of life expectancy for every hour of regular vigorous exercise. However, what’s equally exciting is that the brain goes through several biological changes that make your nerve cells more robust when you work out. They grow, branch out and make connections to one another (neuroplasticity). This means we all have the opportunity to reverse damage that may have been done as a result of poor health habits and also to increase the brain’s capabilities as we age.

Exercise also acts as a good antidepressant. Exercise and antidepressant medications appear to be biologically equivalent. Aerobic exercise and strength training, or a combination of both, are equally effective.

So why do so many still resist getting off the proverbial butt? Probably because the American way is to wait until something comes along that’s easy, like a pill. We like pills. But no pill will ever replace the feeling one gets after taking a brisk walk or knowing that even though you’re getting on in years you can still pump some iron. And even more importantly, that you remember doing it! engage in any regular leisure-time activity. Compared with our European cousins, we live like invalids.

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