Regular running slows down the body's aging process, according to a new study out of Stanford University that tracked more than 500 older runners over 20 years.
The study says that runners develop disabilities in life a full 16 years later than non-runners, and runners are half as likely to die early deaths.
Twenty years into the study, 34 per cent of the non-runners had died, compared to only 15 per cent of the runners.
The report confirms what many runners have already known, that despite many non-runner's fears that pounding the pavement will hurt a person's joints and body later in life, the exercise actually does the opposite.
"One of the arguments against exercise is that it could be hard on my joints, (that) I am going to become crippled in my old age (and) that my knees are going to have worn out and that is just not true," the study's senior author, Dr. James Fries, said.
John Stanton, running guru and president of the Running Room, told 麻豆影视net that he wasn't surprised by the study's results.
"Over the past 20 years we've seen the benefit of remaining active and running really does engage us to improve our overall wellness," he said.
Stanton said that running fights against osteoporosis, improves bone density and posture and that people who run don't show the aging that non-runners do.
"The one race we all do at the same pace is aging but where we can be an Olympian in life is to make sure you stay active and enjoy your longevity more," he said.
Larry Rich turns 71 this week and has been running for more than 45 years.
"I enjoy the running because it allows me the ability to enjoy the fresh air, clear my head (and) feel better physically, emotionally and mentally," he told 麻豆影视.
He said that some friends and family members tell him he shouldn't be running at his age, but that doesn't dissuade him.
"(What) I am saying is that you are never too old and you are never too sick to start running."
Stanton had some advice for running beginners:
- Talk to your doctor before starting to exercise.
- Walk before you run.
- Run with a group to make it more enjoyable.
- Keep it fun and diverse. Try different routes and speeds.
- Rest is not a dirty four-letter word.
- Wear good footwear.
"Even for those with couch potato status now, you too can become an athlete if you approach it with intelligence," Stanton said.
For those still not convinced running is right for them, researchers says that a number of other activities can provide the same benefits, such as swimming, biking and walking.
"As long as you get your heart rate up several times during the week to where you are sweating . . . it seems (that) will provide the benefits," Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky of McMaster University told 麻豆影视.
The Running Room has 92 stores throughout Canada and the U.S.
With a report from CTV's medical specialist Avis Favaro
