There are studies that show an inverse correlation between lean body mass and all cause mortality. So the tongue-in-cheek 'strong people are harder to kill' ha

There are studies that show an inverse correlation between lean body mass and all cause mortality. So the tongue-in-cheek 'strong people are harder to kill' has some actual data behind. The problem is of course stats 101, correlation =/= causation. It could simply be that genetics or some other factor X increases lean mass and decreases all-cause mortality. Pragmatically speaking though, quality of life in old age is a big deal that benefits from more lean mass. [edit: http://www.reddit.com/r/AdvancedFitness/comments/1bo5xm/association_between_muscular_strength_and/ http://www.reddit.com/r/AdvancedFitness/comments/1bo5xm/asso... this has a study link and comments and links to previous HN discussion]