Runners live longer than those who do not exercise

A 20-year study (1) examined nearly 1,000 middle-aged adults over a 20 year period. The researchers found that people who regularly go for a jog were half as likely as non-runners to have died during the study period. The runners also experienced fewer disabilities, and had better health

This difference in mortality rates is staggering! During the study, about 34% of the non-runners had died by age 70, compared with just 15% of the runners. The groups of runners and non-runners were matched to account for age, weight, and other health predictors

Alternatives to running

If you are not keen on running, or are unable to do some exercises, there are plenty of others that should have the same beneficial effects. You can decrease your biological age by up to ten years simply by vigorous walking � most days, and for at least half an hour. Or just pick any other aerobic activity (like swimming or tennis) that you enjoy, and go hard enough at it to get your heart rate up

(1) Reduced disability and mortality among aging runners: a 21-year longitudinal study. Chakravarty, E. F. et al., Archives of Internal Medicine 2008 Aug 11;168(15):1638-1646.