3 ms·
- is it correlation or causation? - could the causation be in the other direction? You always need to ask these questions. Perhaps senior people who have immun
by Agebor 9y ago
- is it correlation or causation?
- could the causation be in the other direction?
You always need to ask these questions. Perhaps senior people who have immune systems as 20-year olds, are much more likely to cycle in old age. Or there is some other reason that causes both.
- wukerplank 9y agoDoes it matter that much? Just be active for as long as possible and reap the benefits of fit muscles and a stronger heart. Purely anecdotal: My grandfather is nearing 90 and still jumps on his indoor bike every day. Last winter he fell (due to ice) and got away with a few bruises. For other people his age this kind of fall could have meant a broken hip. He had two heart attacks when he was around 60 and a life long lung disease - far away from the immune system (or health) of a 20-year old.
- OldSchoolJohnny 9y agoDoes it matter? Of course logic and keeping it real matters unless you want to be ruled by superstition all your life.
- wukerplank 9y agoI don't think the positive effects daily cardio are superstition.
- nmeofthestate 9y agoOf course it matters. If the old cyclists are just genetically superior, then prescribing 100 mile bike rides to frail old people might be damaging, rather than transforming them into disease-resistant superhumans.
- nradov 9y agoDon't be ridiculous. No physician or trainer would prescribe a century ride to a frail old person. That's something you have to work up to. But if they start with something easier then some of them will eventually stop being frail, and start being capable of completing long rides.
- wukerplank 9y agoWhy would you prescribe a 100 mile ride to an old person? My point was that living a long and fairly healthy life is a day to day project, not a pill you take once you hit 70.