American researchers have found that running on a regular basis can slow the effects of ageing. Elderly joggers were found to be half as likely to die prematurely from conditions, such as cancer, than non-runners, and enjoy a healthier life with fewer disabilities.
The Stanford University Medical Center Experts said the findings in Archives of Internal Medicine reinforced the importance that older people exercise regularly.
The study took place over twenty years and tracked 500 older runners. They were compared to a similar group of non-runners. All were in their 50s at the start of the study.
After nineteen years of the study, 34 percent of the non-runners had died compared to just 15 percent of the runners. Although both groups became more disabled with age, the runners’ disability started an average of 16 years later.
The health gap between runners and non-runners widened considerably even as the subjects entered their nineties. Running appeared to slow the rate of heart and artery related deaths, but was also associated with fewer early deaths from cancer, neurological disease, infections and other causes.
Completely unexpected was that runners were less likely to suffer from osteoarthritis or need hip or knee replacements.
Professor James Fries, from the University of California at Stanford, said: “The study has a very pro-exercise message. If you had to pick one thing to make people healthier as they age, it would be aerobic exercise.
“The health benefits of exercise are greater than we thought.”
Age Concern says many older people do not exercise enough.
Gordon Lishman, director general, said: “This research re-confirms the clear benefits of regular exercise for older people.
“Exercise can help older people to stay mobile and independent, ensure a healthy heart, keep weight and stress levels under control, and promote better sleep.
“While younger people are barraged with encouragement to lead healthier lifestyles, the health needs of older people are often overlooked.”
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2008 at 10:19 am
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American researchers have found that running on a regular basis can slow the effects of ageing. Elderly joggers were found to be half as likely to die prematurely from conditions, such as cancer, than non-runners, and enjoy a healthier life with fewer disabilities.
The Stanford University Medical Center Experts said the findings in Archives of Internal Medicine reinforced the importance that older people exercise regularly.
The study took place over twenty years and tracked 500 older runners. They were compared to a similar group of non-runners. All were in their 50s at the start of the study.
After nineteen years of the study, 34 percent of the non-runners had died compared to just 15 percent of the runners. Although both groups became more disabled with age, the runners’ disability started an average of 16 years later.
The health gap between runners and non-runners widened considerably even as the subjects entered their nineties. Running appeared to slow the rate of heart and artery related deaths, but was also associated with fewer early deaths from cancer, neurological disease, infections and other causes.
Completely unexpected was that runners were less likely to suffer from osteoarthritis or need hip or knee replacements.
Professor James Fries, from the University of California at Stanford, said: “The study has a very pro-exercise message. If you had to pick one thing to make people healthier as they age, it would be aerobic exercise.
“The health benefits of exercise are greater than we thought.”
Age Concern says many older people do not exercise enough.
Gordon Lishman, director general, said: “This research re-confirms the clear benefits of regular exercise for older people.
“Exercise can help older people to stay mobile and independent, ensure a healthy heart, keep weight and stress levels under control, and promote better sleep.
“While younger people are barraged with encouragement to lead healthier lifestyles, the health needs of older people are often overlooked.”