Do runners age more quickly?

That would seem to be the implication, but having had the chance to see a number of podiums (podia???) full of national age group champs over the years, it would seem like the reverse is true. Runner's skin ages fast, but their bodies age slowly. At least so it seems to me in my highly unscientific survey.

Wayne

I'd agree. Some of the skin aging/wrinkling may be due to the low incidence of subcutaneos fat of many distance runners, esp. around the face and esp. w/ males.

The skin aging fast could also have to do with amount of sunlight we get. I know that I am tan year round just from being outside in the sun (hot or cold)for long periods of time for running.

Good point. I run midday year-round and am frequently asked where I was on vacation.

Have a good look at all those Australian masters women! Without exception they all look like masters. Don't think it's the mileage that did it.

Guys, it's the sun. I use sunscreen religiously, every time I run and I'm told I look like I'm in my 30's (I'm 46). Running keeps you young but the sun will age your skin quicker than anything. Those Aussies live where the sun is especially fierce.

ray wrote:

Have a good look at all those Australian masters women! Without exception they all look like masters. Don't think it's the mileage that did it.

Runners definitely have the appearance of aging faster, but I think its all superficial. On the inside (which is more important for general health), I'm sure the aging process is delayed somewhat.

No way. Most runners I know look like theyre 12.

I'm not at all sold on this theory - you all infer too much. Remember that most of the extra oxidative metabolism associated with exercise occurs in the muscle cells which, probably not coincidentally, have a huge capacity to neutralize free radicals.

I know a fair number of former-elites who are now in their forties and fifties. The ones who still run look like they could be in their thirties, the ones who don't run simply look their age. We all know the phrase "use it or loose it". It seems like common sense that if you let your body go then you will age quicker. These older runners also seem a lot younger mentally (not meaning in a lack of maturity way) than those who have stopped running. This is all just personal observation of course, but it's good enough for me. I have heard that endurance athletes are more at risk for cell damage due to free radicals but I thought this was just because of the increased amount of O2 that we consume. I try to protect myself by eating foods that are high in anti-oxidants and by taking lots of vitamin C.

We also have to protect our eyes from the sun, especially in the south. I wear sun glasses and a hat to reduce the glare.

Mito-man wrote:

Scientists have uncovered one of the mysteries of aging:

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20040527/sc_afp/sweden_science_health_genetics_aging_040527140653

Some exerpts:

"...mutations in the mitochondria, which transform nutrients into energy in the body's cells, are directly linked to many of the illnesses associated with the aging process."

"In addition to acting as the cells' energy converters, mitochondria also produce oxidants that can damage cells and their DNA. Due to their proximity to these oxidants, or free radical molecules, mitochondria are particularly vulnerable to injury over time, according to researchers."

Since runners tend to be more densely packed with mitochondria than non-runners, can we assume that we are producing higher amounts of oxidants?

If I'm not mistaken, these free radicals also damage DNA, which also contributes to the aging process.

Does this mean that runners will tend to age more quickly?

Guy, its the sun. The mitochondria is a cellular organ that provides energy. It is shown that mitochondria are more present in the body of anyone who is active rather than inactive, more preferrably bodybuilders. In that respect, any athlete should age quicker than the average person and you can see yourself thats not true.

What about going bald? It seems there are a lot distance runners tend to have receading hair lines early on.

Yeah I don't think it is the running but the sun you run in constantly.

Exercise in some cases reverses, not literally, but can help keep the body looking young and supple.

Sun is what damages the skin

The positive proof that runners age faster: Allan Web, not sure i spelled the name right though, meh

if you can't spell Alan Webb correctly, you have no right to be posting on letsrun!

Whose Allan Webb?