Just when I was looking for an excuse not to go running anymore I stumbled on an article in Time Magazine titled “Runner’s High: Joggers Live Longer“. Ugh.. So – what’s this all about?
That runner’s high may translate into a lot of other long-lasting health benefits, a new report from an ongoing study suggests. Researchers have found that regular jogging, or any consistent aerobic exercise, in middle age and late in life may reduce people’s risk of disabilities and help them live longer and healthier.
The study looked at two groups of people, those who run regularly, and those that never do. Other than that indicator the two groups were relatively similar in their makeup.
The two groups were looked at over a 20 year period, and here is what they found:
Researchers analyzed the accumulated data at 8 years, 13 years and, most recently in 2005, the 21-year mark. Not surprisingly, the data showed that exercise was a boon to health. Over the years, compared with the never-exercisers, people who exercised regularly — in addition to running, activities included biking, aerobic dance and swimming — showed improved aerobic capacity, better cardiovascular fitness, increased bone mass, fewer inflammatory markers, less physical disability, better response to vaccinations and even improved thinking, learning and memory. They also lived significantly longer.
The article continued:
By year 19 of the study, 15% of the runners had died, compared with 34% of the non-running control group. Not only did fewer runners die of cardiovascular causes, but fewer died of other causes such as neurological and infectious disorders. At 21 years into the study, the authors reported, the running group experienced fewer disabilities in eight basic daily functions, including walking, eating, dressing, grip strength and routine physical activities — reporting, on average, one mild disability out of the eight. Never-runners recorded one to two disabilities on average, and were more likely to have a complete disability in one of those daily functions. Even as participants approach their 90s, the groups’ disability and survival curves continue to diverge.
So, if you’re not already running, biking, dancing or swimming (or other aerobic activity), it’s time to start. It’s never too late! So get moving!
OK, that decides it for me for sure. Just yesterday, I was thinking that I wanted to get back in shape by my 30th birthday (3/22). I’m going to buy myself and my dog some running shoes (he’s an indoor dog and has soft feet) and we’re going to start jogging.
🙂
Penelope @ Our Fourpence Worths last blog post..The Financial Woes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Yep, I have started running again. I have a problem with my toes bruising and I know my shoes are big enough. Don’t know if I get that runner’s high, but I know I burn quit a bit of calories, I do like doing Turbo Kick better for my aerobic training. Great post. I love it. Yep, aerobics the anti-aging regimen. I always say “A year from now you’ll wish you had started today.” That is my business tag line. I love it. Goes with everything in life.
Good job!
http://www.myphysiqueinc.blogspot.com
Pkayfits last blog post..Road Warrior
I believe that. Even after a 40 mile run I feel like I am more alive than ever. Good post and thanks for putting it out there.
http://run4change.wordpress.com
Jasons last blog post..weight loss lies: I lie to myself about food
The last time I jogged my knees swelled up and hurt for a couple of months… That was the last time I jogged. Now I have a machine in the house that gives me an awesome cardio workout everyday I it does make me feel alive indeed.
Andy @ Dead Sea Salt Products´s last blog ..Dead Sea Health & Beauty
I read this article in Time shortly before Obama was elected. This should clear up suspicions that jogging will damage your body overtime. I show this article to people when they are in doubt. People have always been divided on this issue, but this should make it clear.
I hope you have reached your goal, Peter. I am 6’7″ 214lbs. I need to get back down to 185-195lbs. I spent the last year drinking heavily and not moving at all (less than 150 steps a day, seriously). Oddly, I didn’t gain any weight until the last 5 months. Before I knew it, I was 20lbs heavier. It is not flattering weight either. Some people can carry extra weight well. Not me. Running is very helpful for my depression and alcoholism.
I wish you all the best of luck.