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There are extremely good reasons, aside from this study, to think increased strength would improve life expectancy.
by ellyagg 14y ago
There are extremely good reasons, aside from this study, to think increased strength would improve life expectancy.
- micro_cam 14y agoThis is also true for endurance running, wine, coffee, beer, olive oil, eating lots of meat, not eating lots of meat etc.
- alecdibble 14y agoThe first example I can understand, but I am not following you with the rest.
- micro_cam 14y agoThey are all things that have been shown to extend lifespan in various studies in the past few years. Some of these studies were observational like this, some where done by giving mice ridiculous doses etc but they all got picked up by the media. Some of these results are probably valid but if you want to scientifically extend your life you need to do so with statistical rigor.
- ellyagg 14y agoShow me a rigorous study demonstrating that one can only lengthen their lifespan by making decisions based on evidence at the level you demand. I don't believe you make every, or even remotely close to most of your decisions in daily life by this standard. Human brains aren't designed to and don't have the energy to do so.
- micro_cam 14y agoNo I don't...I take my doctors advise but I also exercise and eat well because I enjoy it. However, in my job, I analyze large medical datasets. You will understand if I get a bit pedantic about such things. Doing some strength training is a probable plus on several fronts with few risks. However if I am advising doctors or the presidential physical fitness council to recommend strength training vs endurance training vs focusing on diet on an institutional level I need to look at the evidence for each with more rigor.
- paul_f 14y agoStop smoking, buckle your seatbelt, lose a few pounds and take tons of Vitamin D. Everything else is conjecture.
- lukevdp 14y agoExcept don't take tons of Vitamin D http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120529102346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120529102346.ht...
- ellyagg 14y agoNo, the evidence for each of those is far more limited, ambiguous, and in one case contradictory. You would not advise your parents to maintain strength enough to stand because only prospective studies link standing strength to longevity?
- analog 14y agoThere was a recent study which found that running only increased life expectancy if you were running 10-20miles (or km, memory hazy) per week. More than that and life expectancy decreased again. So endurance running, which I would guess you would categorise as marathon+ will decrease your life expectancy. Edit: /s/will/could Depending on how much running you already do.
- micro_cam 14y agoThat is kind of my point. Everyone thought running was good but more rigorous analysis showed that it is not that simple.
- paul_f 14y agoRunning 4 hours per week for 20 years will add 6 months to your expected lifespan. However, those 6 months will have been entirely spent running. So, plan accordingly.
- barry-cotter 14y agoExercise demands time so in terms of increased life expectancy versus time spent exercising it's probably a wash. Speaking personally though, I feel awesome when I exercise regularly, and when I don't, I don't. Exercise for higher quality of life and a better looking body, the longevity benefits are overrated.
- brianmwaters 14y agoAs if it were some mind-numbing mundane task. On the contrary, whatever time you spend running will be some of the most alive parts of your life.
- Evgeny 14y agoYou shouldn't forget to compare general health of one who runs versus one who doesn't. Not only just wellbeing, but sick days (missed on income), medical bills etc.
- hodr 14y agoYou are of course talking about monkey bar fighting over a pit of snakes, right?