Francesco Landi | Exercise and Longevity: Optimizing Health Across the Lifespan | MLS26

*Why Muscle and Movement Matter for Longevity* What does staying physically strong have to do with living a longer, healthier life? In this session from *Exercise and Longevity: Optimizing Health Across the Lifespan* at the *Milan Longevity Summit 2026*, *Professor Francesco Landi* explores the science connecting physical activity, muscle health, functional capacity, and longevity. As we age, preserving mobility and physical function becomes one of the strongest determinants of independence and quality of life. Muscle is increasingly understood not simply as a system for movement, but as a fundamental component of metabolic health, resilience, and the body's ability to withstand illness and recover from stress. Professor Landi examines why exercise and the prevention of sarcopenia and frailty need to become central pillars of healthy ageing, shifting the focus from simply extending lifespan to preserving the physical capacity to live those additional years well. Professor Francesco Landi is Professor of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at the *Catholic University of the Sacred Heart* and a leading geriatrician at *Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS*. His research focuses on frailty, sarcopenia, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy ageing, with particular attention to strategies that preserve function and independence throughout later life. The Milan Longevity Summit brings together global leaders across science, medicine, policy, business, technology and society to rethink the future of health through a *One Health* perspective—recognising that the wellbeing of people, planet and economies is deeply interconnected. *Learn more about the Milan Longevity Summit:* https://www.milanlongevitysummit.org/it/speakers26/francesco-landi #MilanLongevitySummit #Longevity #OneHealth #FrancescoLandi #Exercise #Sarcopenia #MuscleHealth #HealthyAgeing #Frailty #Healthspan