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Myth or Fact: Can running slow the aging clock?
by Dr. Doug Segan
October 6th, 2009

This month's pearl from the medical literature confirms that exercise is a key part of staying youthful. My friend Doug shares this recent study form Stanford University that running slows the aging clock.

A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine from Stanford University that was published last year provides good news to runners seeking the fountain of youth.

This is a large study of over 500 older runners followed for more than 20 years. It is hard to believe now, but decades ago there was some concern that exercise would accelerate the aging process.

The study found that the elderly runners had fewer disabilities and a longer span of active life. Runners' initial disability was 16 years later than non-runners. Running was associated with a lower death rate.

The senior author (Dr. James Fries) believes that the runners' greater lean body mass and healthier habits in general played a role in the benefits of running.

Bottom line: Regular running slows the effects of aging

Tell me what you think:

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My friend Doug Segan is an emergency medicine physician. He is keeping an eye on the current medical literature and will share with us brief summaries of the most intriguing studies that impact the areas of fitness, nutriton and staying youthful.