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"Past studies found that exercise induces production of FNDC5, a protein found on the surfaces of certain cells. FNDC5 can activate neuroprotective genes in the hippocampus, the brain region in charge of memory formation. The outer part of FNDC5 can be cleaved off to form a hormone called irisin, which is released into the bloodstream."

see also

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25952527/

"Irisin, as a new hormone-like myokine, is discovered in the presence of exercise-induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1-alpha (PGC-1α)."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FNDC5

So is the conclusion that we should be exercising right up until the day we die?
My takeaway was googling "Irisin pills"~
"Next, the researchers delivered irisin directly into the mice’s brains."

That sentence is not giving me much hope that they expect the hormone to survive digestion.

Once it's in the bloodstream, the hormone passes the blood brain barrier.

"In addition, the researchers found that irisin could cross the blood-brain barrier to act on the brain."

I'm not advocating for it, but there are ways to bypass first-pass metabolism or to get certain compounds or proteins through the blood-brain barrier.
"I don't exercise so I can live longer, I exercise so that when I am dying, I don't get sad, but think 'at least I don't have to exercise anymore'".

Anyway, there was a ton of research done that people over 60 can still put on muscle mass. Which obviously protects from injuries, supports posture, etc.

We also have studies showing that long term runners don't have a higher incidence of knee problems than non-runners, so it does seem that the cartilage damage DURING exercise is compensated by said exercise, assuming correct form and all that.

Basically.

If you're lucky, you'll feel it couple of days before. Than you can rest, say goodbye and die in your sleep.

"Compressed morbidity" -- it's the way to go!