Comments on: Run to Slow Aging Process

By: Hulatim

Hulatim — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:42:38 +0000

Wow, the comment about runners looking older is SO wrong. Here in Hawaii, I have so hard a time with people’s ages because all of the runners are so fit. In short, runners are great looking people, inside and out.

By: Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:13:38 +0000

Absolutely true. Running (movement in general) has so many advantages.

By: Big Stupid

Big Stupid — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:15:15 +0000

Excellent point. The older those biomechanics get, the greater the chance for damage if anything gets out of alignment. I ended up with pretty aggressive orthotics a few years ago. They have been a help in everyday mobility as well, now I get my dress and casual shoes fitted so I can wear them inside.

By: mehoe

mehoe — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:23:02 +0000

in my last posting: change ‘are aligned’ to ‘are not aligned’.

By: mehoe

mehoe — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:21:03 +0000

With regard to knee problems, the advice on getting the right shoes is very important - especially considering those designed for motion control and stability. However, after experiencing varying degrees of knee pain for 4 years, I had a podiatrist make me some full length orthodics (about $400 before insurance). Within 4 months, 98% of my knee pain was gone. This won’t work for everyone but please consider it before giving up the sport. If your ankles, knees, and hips are aligned, something will eventually hurt. I did this last year at age 62 after 45 years of running. Good luck.

By: Big Stupid

Big Stupid — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:24:39 +0000

I can’t speak for all runners, but this 55+ runner has had the fewest medical problems in his family and is consistently mistaken for someone younger. John, just hang out at a 10k run and take a look at the participants if you want verification.

200 minutes a week is just a half-hour per day, with one day off– not a hard habit to get into. Regarding the fear of “knee and joint” problems, let me clue you in– if you exercise as you get older, something is always going to hurt. But if you’re careful you can manage it, and the consistent feeling of well-being, alertness and relaxation more than compensates. Not being active hurts a lot more in the long run. Most people who don’t run actually could if they wanted to.

I don’t run because I love or even like it– it is simply the most efficient way to exercise I have found, requiring no equipment and a relatively small time investment.

By: robert

robert — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:18:39 +0000

i wish all the headlines associated with this study were changed to “Regular Exercise Slows Aging Process” so we could all just think “Duh!” and get on with it rather than think there’s something special about running, which in my opinion is just about the worst way I can think of to get my exercise

i absolutely hate running - it’s so boring and hot - it’s a complete slog with every step sending hundreds of pounds of impact through your feet, knees, and hips

i am an avid road cyclist - zero impact sport providing every bit of cardiovascular fitness a human being could possibly need (think tour de france)

so if you don’t like crushing your feet, knees, and hips in an overheated slogfest try road cycling - your joints, mind, and sweat glands will thank you

for this guy’s next study i’d like to see him do a long-term comparison between the zero impact sport of cycling VS the mega-impact sport of running on joint health.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:43:46 +0000

I have completely given up running on concrete and blacktop and it has made all the difference as far as joint pain is concerned. I run only on dirt or gravel hiking trails and the impact on my knees and ankles has been greatly reduced in my case. Everyone is different obviously, but this has helped me tremendously. Also I rarely run two days in row which seems to aid in recovery. And if I start to feel a little ache or swelling I cut back for a week or two on my mileage or simply take a few days off and hike or bicycle instead. Running keeps me sane; personally for me the mental benefits in reduced stress are at least equal to the cardio benefits in my case!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:12:18 +0000

Paul, if running is rough on your knees it may be the result of your shoes. Go to a running store, not just a shoe store, and bring your running shoes. They will examine the soles and observe you taking a little run to evaluate running. They will make recommendations from there. Alternatively, swim!

By: R. Thomas

R. Thomas — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:09:35 +0000

A side point to this study is that Americans are getting heavier and heavier, the trend is not good, which is causing health problems. As you age it’s harder to keep the weight off and running would be a way to accomplish that, at least brisk walking. According to statistics 70% of us will need long term care (guidetolongtermcare.com) - long term care is costly and those we are close to, which means the longer we can postpone it the better for everyone.