Older Runners Postpone Disability

By: Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:25:57
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

How long you live is not as important as the quality of your life while you are alive. Most Americans over 70 cannot run or even walk fast. Most Americans over 70 can't lift a 25 pound weight over their heads. Most Americans over 70 cannot do common household tasks that require strength, such as fixing a stuck door, removing leaves or snow from their driveways or lifting heavy objects.

Regular runners over 70 could do all of these tasks and much more. A study from Stanford University in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that older people who run and participate in other aerobic activities are less likely to die than people who do not run. Non-runners were more than three times more likely to die than runners, but that is not the exciting news. The more important finding is that older men and women who exercise regularly are far less likely to suffer any form of disability than people who do not exercise.

The researchers studied 370 member of a runners club for people aged 50 years and older, and 249 community members who did not belong to the running club. They were between 50 and 72 years of age at the start of the 13-year study. The runners had far lower death rates, which was expected, and far less disability, such as osteoarthritis, which is impressive.

At the 13-year follow up, the average age of the running club group was 70.9 years and the average age of the community controls was 73.6 years. The running club members had far fewer medical problems than the non-club members, and the non runners were in such poor health by comparison that they appeared to be living in a different community. In addition, the rate of progression to various levels of disability was much slower among runner's club members than the control group. The authors concluded that "with healthy lifestyles, disability can be postponed until a few years before death, when it develops at an increasing rate."

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

Free weekly newsletter on fitness, health, and nutrition.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Running category

  • Base Building for Runners - By: Bidz dela Cruz
    This can happen: after three years of long runs, races and lots of speed work, you find out that you are getting fed up with doing a session 'because it was on the schedule', or because everyone else was doing it. If you already have two disappointing marathons, try considering base-building. It will open up a whole new lease of life for you. Then you will know why you are doing each run, and if you're an inquisitive type, this will give you more pleasure and motivation
  • What Happened to the Fastest Man Under Any Conditions? - By: Bidz dela Cruz
    Last August 16, in Beijing, we saw a massive upset in the semifinal heat of the 100-meter sprint when one of the pre-race favorites, Tyson Gay, failed to qualify by 0.02 seconds. It was supposed to be the scene for the biggest race of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the sprint to see who will be crowned the world's fastest man.
  • Running And Back Pain: Check Your Technique For A Likely Cause - By: Roy Palmer
    Running and back pain are mentioned in the same sentence more often than they really should be. Running is an excellent activity for staying in shape and for many it provides a lifetime of enjoyment, challenges and purpose. For others it’s either a short-lived activity or a stop-start routine due to injury.
  • The Best Way to Develop a Treadmill Exercise Plan - By: Mark J Emslie
    A treadmill is a good investment to make but you want to be sure that you have the right treadmill exercise plan for you. Early treadmills were made almost entirely of wood and whilst today’s machines now offer a vast array of features to keep you occupied, let's not forget that walking or running on a treadmill is still a very effective way to workout.Developing your Treadmill Exercise PlanWhen developing your treadmill exercise plan, do not forget the fun factor.
  • Speed Training - Maximum Velocity Running - By: Patrick Beith
    Training speed is more then just working on acceleration and trying to sprint as fast as possible. You must actually coach your athletes how to run and stay relaxed, especially when they are running at top speed.Maximum Velocity is another way of saying running at full speed.
  • Why You Should Run - By: Daniel Watson
    Too many people have the misconception that running has to be hard work. This tiny detail prevents many people from taking up the sport and leading a much better, healthier life. Afterall, we would all like to lose a bit of flab and live a little longer and running can help you do this.
  • Top 10 Greatest Sprint Races in History - By: Alex Ray
    1. Atlanta 1996. Men's 100-meter Olympic final. It was the most exciting 10 seconds in sports history.
  • Match Your Running Shoes To Your Foot Type - By: Peter Somerville
    Choosing a running shoe that is engineered for your particular type of foot can help you avoid some common running injuries. It can also make running more enjoyable and let you get more mileage out of your shoes.Shoe manufacturers are aware that, anatomically, feet usually fall into one of three categories.
  • Weight Loss - Why Do Runners Stay so Slim? - By: David Snape
    I see them almost everyday. They appear at the park where I meditate. Runners, joggers, or whatever designator you want to give them, they are there.
  • Running for Beginners: Start with the Right Kit to Increase Your Chances of Success - By: Roy Palmer
    It would be so easy to put on a pair of your old trainers and kit you used to wear at the gym and shoot straight off for a run. However, you would be following in the footsteps of many a failed runner before you! You will increase your chances of successfully becoming a regular runner if you make a commitment by spending your hard earned cash on specialist running gear.