Exercise Therapy Based on Autophagy for Anti-aging

Autophagy is a key cellular quality-control system that declines with aging, leading to the accumulation of senescent cells and enhanced senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). These changes contribute to chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. Exercise is a major physiological inducer of autophagy, but its role in preventing aging, particularly in older adults, remains unclear. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulation of autophagy, as well as current methods for assessing autophagy and senescence markers such as LC3, p62, p16 and p21. Evidence from animal studies consistently shows that exercise-induced autophagy improves muscle function, metabolic health, neuroprotection, and lifespan. In humans, moderate-to-high intensity exercise activates autophagy, although responses in older adults are variable due to reduced baseline activity and lower sensitivity to exercise stimuli. Long-term, combined aerobic and resistance training may be most effective for promoting autophagy and healthy aging.