Does exercise lower your biological age?

Does exercise lower your biological age?

Author: ABC Australia June 6, 2026 Duration: 39:35
Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states. How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are. Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia. And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients? References: Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation (US CDC). AI Chatbot Use and Disclosure for Mental Health Among US Adolescents and Young Adults AstraZeneca pulls critical breast cancer and endometriosis drug Zoladex from shelves Abortion Access Under Attack Again in Two Australian States - RANZCOG Physical activity and biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
As bird flu mutates, are eggs still safe to eat? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:19
There's a shortage of eggs in Australia, and it might not let up as we brace for the arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu. That strain has shown is can make the jump into humans. But how does it manage? Also, menopause…
How an online coach can keep your brain young [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:04
There are some things you can do to guard against cognitive decline, and a study has found a hands-on approach is best. Also, rates of vaccination in pregnancy are falling in New South Wales. Should Australia follow Ital…
A Stroke of Luck: Kylie's story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s. It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything.
A Stroke of Luck: Gillian's story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
When Gillian suffered a stroke at age 50, Kylie was one of the first friends she reached out to. It wasn't Gillian's first life-altering medical emergency, having gone through cancer treatment years earlier.
A Stroke of Luck: Downs and ups of recovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:00
Despite their strokes being 20 years apart, Kylie and Gillian were left with similar disabilities. Both faced a long and often gruelling period of rehabilitation — thankfully with partners and friends by their sides.
A Stroke of Luck: Asking for help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:00
When Kylie had her stroke, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) didn't exist. It took Gillian's stroke, 20 years later, for Kylie to fully understand how much support she was missing out on.
Why BMI is being sidelined in the diagnosis of obesity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:17
For a long time many have assumed they can tell how healthy a person is because of their weight. Now, a major global collaboration of experts is challenging that. A Lancet commission has recommended changing the criteria…
How much sugar are you feeding your toddler? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
We try to give little kids the best start in life, and in supermarkets there's an ever-expanding range of foods marketed specifically for them But how much sugar is in them? Plus, we peer into the evidence around ultra-p…
What's your sports bra got to do with your knees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
Bras might seem unrelated to knee injuries, but research suggests otherwise. Women are significantly more prone to tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and wearing the right bra could help reduce this risk. It…
Why aren't kids getting the food they need at childcare? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:04
The first 2,000 days of life are crucial for brain development. Children learn and grow more during this time than at any other point in their lives. However, research shows many childcare centres are failing to provide…