The Race Against Age
Author: Deutsches Aerzteblatt International
Published: 2010/12/02
Topic: Aging Related Conditions - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main
Synopsis: Impairments to health and physical performance are not primarily a result of aging but of unfavorable lifestyle habits and lack of exercise.
Introduction
Impairments to health and physical performance are not primarily a result of aging but of unfavorable lifestyle habits and lack of exercise.Main Item
Sporty elderly people have a life expectancy that is almost 4 years higher and are often faster than younger athletes.
In their study, the sports scientists analyzed the stamina of more than 600 000 marathon and half marathon runners and asked participants about their lifestyle habits and their health.
Marathon running is particularly suitable for studying because participants have to put in sufficient training hours for the competition, and the athletes accommodate this into their day accordingly.
Unfavorable characteristics such as obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity are rarer in runners, and reductions in physical performance are more likely to be the result of biological aging processes.
These reductions make their presence felt only after the 54th year of life and are but slight. More than 25% of 50- to 69-year-olds had taken up running only in the preceding 5 years and participated in a marathon nonetheless.
Of note: older participants do not have to train any harder to maintain their fitness than their younger rivals.
1 - Evaluation and Treatment of Depression May Reverse Memory and Cognitive Difficulties - Study reveals evaluation and treatment of symptoms of depression may improve or maintain cognitive functioning in some seniors diagnosed with MCI.
2 - New Details on Aged Brain, Alzheimer's and Dementia Revealed - Details discovered that will help researchers better understand the biological bases for Alzheimer's disease and dementia in older populations.
3 - Eating Seafood Weekly May Slow Memory Loss - Eating seafood or other food containing omega-3 fatty acids once a week may protect against age-related memory loss and thinking problems in seniors.
Information and Page References
Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Deutsches Aerzteblatt International. (2010, December 2). The Race Against Age. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved January 13, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/aging/age-race.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/aging/age-race.php">The Race Against Age</a>: Impairments to health and physical performance are not primarily a result of aging but of unfavorable lifestyle habits and lack of exercise.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.