Health
Play Sports Longer -- Live Longer
Playing sports pays off in longer life expectancy, according to A Natural History of Athleticism, Health and Longevity published in the Journal of Sports Science.
Researchers followed 52,000 men who entered Harvard or the University of Pennsylvania between 1916 and 1950. College athletes had a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease until the age of 50.
Benefits held if the men stayed active. Alumni aged 35 to 74 who kept active -- playing sports, walking and stair climbing -- had a 25 percent reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to less-active men.
The more exercise, the better. In a 16-year follow up study of Harvard alumni, death rates declined with increased levels of total activity. Death rates also declined with increased intensity of effort focused on exercise.
Researchers followed 52,000 men who entered Harvard or the University of Pennsylvania between 1916 and 1950. College athletes had a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease until the age of 50.
Benefits held if the men stayed active. Alumni aged 35 to 74 who kept active -- playing sports, walking and stair climbing -- had a 25 percent reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to less-active men.
The more exercise, the better. In a 16-year follow up study of Harvard alumni, death rates declined with increased levels of total activity. Death rates also declined with increased intensity of effort focused on exercise.
