Running is often hailed as a fountain of youth, with promises of extended lifespan, reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved mental health. But can hitting the pavement really help you live longer (and by how much)? A recent large-scale study explored the relationship between different sports and longevity, offering insights into whether running—and other physical activities—actually add years to your life.
A global look at sports and lifespan
Researchers out of the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing analyzed data from over 95,000 athletes across 183 countries, representing 44 different sports disciplines. They aimed to discover how various sports impacted lifespan by comparing athletes’ ages at death with those of the general population. The study was primarily male-dominated (95.5 per cent of the data), but it provided some fascinating insights into which sports extended lifespan the most.
Interestingly, the results varied widely depending on the sport. Aerobic activities like running, known for improving cardiovascular health, were expected to have positive outcomes. But how did running compare to other sports, and what were the key takeaways?
Does running really extend your life?
In this study, running wasn’t singled out as the top sport for extending lifespan, but aerobic and mixed sports consistently showed a positive impact on longevity. This makes sense given the well-known cardiovascular benefits of running, including improved heart health, better blood circulation and a lowered risk of conditions like stroke or hypertension. According to the study, running helps boost endurance and overall health, both crucial factors in longevity.
How other sports stack up
While running is great for your heart, other sports like pole vaulting and gymnastics had the biggest positive impact, with athletes gaining up to 8.4 extra years of life. On the other hand, sports like volleyball and sumo wrestling were linked to a reduction in lifespan, possibly due to high physical strain or weight-related factors in those sports. Mixed sports that combine aerobic and anaerobic exercise, like rowing or tennis, also showed significant benefits, particularly in extending the lifespans of both male and female athletes.
Why running helps
Running’s benefits likely come from its aerobic nature. Aerobic exercise improves the body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently, which boosts heart health and endurance. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease—two major contributors to early death. Studies also show that runners tend to maintain better body composition, stronger bones and reduced inflammation, all of which contribute to living longer and healthier. Should you add gymnastics training or pole vault practice to your running routine? Well, that part is up to you.
