Category: Longevity & Health

A study assessing the link between fitness and mortality, has been completed by the US Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Washington. Nearly 16 ooo men, the largest number ever known in such a trial, were given a standard treadmill test to assess exercise capacity. Testing was conducted between May 1983 and December 2006, and participants were then followed for an average of 7.5 years and death rates were recorded.

The study found that “highly fit” men had only half the risk of death compared to “low fitness” men. Those who achieved “very highly fit” status, had a 70% lower risk compared to the “low fit” category. The authors say the risk of death is halved, simply by taking a brisk 30 minute walk, 5 to 6 days per week.

(Exercise Capacity & Mortality in Black and White Men. Journal of Circulation, 22 January 2008.)

Dutch researchers have found that the most optimistic participants among a group of 545 men, aged 64 to 84, were 50% less likely to die from cardiovascular causes during a 15 year study.

The men were assessed for their level of optimism every five years from 1985 to 2000, with statements such as “I do not look forward to what lies ahead for me in years to come” or “I am still full of plans.” Higher optimism scores were linked to being younger, being better educated, living with others, having better health, and being more physically active.

(Dispositional Optimism and the Risk of Cardiovascular Death: The Zutphen Elderly Study. Achives of Internal Medicine 2006.)

A study in Sweden looking at a sample of the population, has concluded that exercise reduces the chance of fracture due to osteoporosis in men.

2205 men, aged 49 to 51, were followed over a 35 year period. Physical activity and other lifestyle habits were recorded at baseline, and at intervals thereafter. Over the 35 years, 428 of the men had at least one fracture, but there were significant differences according to activity levels:
20% of the sedentary men had fractures,
13% of medium activity men (some walking and cycling) had fractures, and
8% of high activity men (sport for at least 3 hours a week) had fractures.

The researchers calculate that one third of fractures could be prevented if men took part in sports more regularly.

(Leisure Physical Activity and the Risk of Fracture in Men. PLoS Medicine, 19 June 2007.)

A study has found that people who drank tea four times per day for six weeks, had lower blood cortisol levels (a stress marker) and were able to recover more quickly after a stressful event, compared to those who drank a placebo beverage.

(The effects of tea on psychophysiological stress responsivity and post-stress recovery: a randomised double-blind trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl), January 2007.)

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have concluded that eating apples and tomatoes may help prevent respiratory disease.

A total of 2633 adults had their lung function measured in 1991 and again in 2000. Eating more than five apples each week, was associated with increased lung function, as was having tomatoes more than three times per week. Wheezing was also less common among people who consumed apples, tomatoes and bananas.

(97th Annual Meeting of the American Thoracic Society. Reported by BBC News online 22 May 2001.)