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2012-12-14 09:59:33
The longevity Olympians enjoy is within the reach of everyone, experts say.
Research published on the British Medical Journal (BMJ) website suggests
athletes live 2.8 years longer on average than the average lifespan.
The research indicated those who took part in non-contact sports such as
cycling, rowing and tennis enjoyed the longest life of all.
But the general population could have a similar "survival advantage" by doing a
little more exercise, experts said.
The conclusion by two public health professors came after they reviewed two
studies of Olympic athletes published by the BMJ website.
The studies looked at the lifespan and health of 25,000 athletes who competed
in Games dating back to 1896.
Those taking part in contact sports such as boxing had the least advantage,
while cyclists and rowers enjoyed the best health.
But the researchers also found those who played lower intensity sports such as
golf enjoyed a boost.
'Public health failure'
Possible explanations put forward for the finding included genetic and
lifestyle factors and the wealth and status that comes with sporting success.
However, the findings prompted public health experts Prof Adrian Bauman, from
Australia's Sydney University, and Prof Steven Blair, from South Carolina
University in the US, to suggest others could live as long as Olympic athletes.
The recommended level of physical activity for adults is 150 minutes of
moderate to vigorous exercise each week.
Studies suggest people who manage that amount or more live for up to several
years longer than those that do not.
Writing for the BMJ website, the professors said: "Although the evidence points
to a small survival effect of being an Olympian, careful reflection suggests
that similar health benefits and longevity could be achieved by all of us
through regular physical activity.
"We could and should all award ourselves that personal gold medal."
But they said governments were still not doing enough to promote the benefits
of physical activity, calling it a "public health failure".