"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." -Plato
Recent studies show that runners are half as likely to die prematurely from conditions like cancer that those who do not run. A team from Stanford University found that runners generaly experience a healthy lifestye and suffer fewer disabilies.
The study followed a group of runners and non-runners for twenty years, both groups were in their 50's when the study started. Here is what the researchers discovered. The onset of disability started an average of 16 years later for runners. 34% of the non-runners had died, compared to just 15% of those running regularly. Running appeared to lower the rate of heart and artery related deaths. Running was also linked to fewer early deaths from cancer, neurological disease and infectionss.
Professor James Fries who led the study commented; "If you had to pick one thing to make people healthier as they age, it would be aerobic exercise."
I personally find this study very encouraging as several members of my mother's family died from Congestive Heart Failure. My father has battled cancer and two of his brother's passed at early ages from cancer.
What do you think about the benefits of running?
Looking good Arthur! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteI agree, there are some major benefits to running and we are both living, breathing examples of them.
Keep moving forward - Noah
Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteArt
Absolutely! My husband and I are 50, and we run a 5K daily. We do it even when we travel. (So much fun to run along the Mediterranean Sea in France, for example.) We intend to do it for the rest of our lives.
ReplyDeleteRunning while on vacation reminds me of the time I was running outside of Dawson City, Yukon Territory. I came in when other runners pointed out the bear tracks to me. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteRunning has certainly been my salvation. I was on a very slippery slope before I began - being overweight and grossly out of shape. At 54 I never in my wildest dreams imagined that in years to come I'd be competing on roads, tracks, x-country, fells and in the mountains at all distances up to the marathon. I've enjoyed every minute of it and it's kept me strong and healthy well into my twilight years. And I'm not done yet!
ReplyDeleteI was a lifelong couch potato before I started running. Overweight, out of shape. Finally got sick and tired of being sick and tired and started walking and then running. Never looked back.
DeleteOne of my training partners (tweleve years my junior)is a physical therapist and constantly reminding me that running is keeping me out of the hospital. She sees so many 50+ out of shape patients with health problems due to lack of activity. I know it's keeping me healthy. I also think the mental aspects of running are just as valuable. It is a great stress reliever!
ReplyDeleteShe is probably right. Running is good for you!
DeleteI tried to start a running program, and realized, (again), that I really hate running. I hate being out of breath and it is hard to do on a treadmill, although not as hard in the park. Wondering if I could do run/walking and get the same benefit? I could probably run for a minute or two but then I have to go back to a walk. I'm an ex-smoker but I've been quit for 20 years, so I don't think it's a compromised lung function - I just hate being out of breath! Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteRun/walking intervals is an excellent way to break into running.I would suggest working your way up to being able to walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes. Then start running for short bursts.
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