The study highlighted in this article is part of a broader effort to examine the life spans of professional athletes. It is important to note that the data used is heavily skewed towards male athletes, so the results for female athletes should be viewed with caution. Overall, the findings align with previous research, showing that athletes in physically demanding sports tend to live longer than the general population. While correlation does not imply causation, animal studies support the idea that physical fitness and exercise can slow the aging process.
Human lifespan is influenced by various factors, with physical activity playing a crucial role. Despite the known benefits of exercise on health and longevity, the impact of different sports on life expectancy has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to address this gap by analyzing a large cohort of former athletes from around the world. Data from 95,210 athletes across 44 sports disciplines were collected and analyzed using a robust regression model. Male athletes showed a more significant increase in lifespan compared to females, with certain sports like pole vaulting and gymnastics positively impacting longevity, while others like volleyball and sumo wrestling had negative associations. Racquet sports, however, showed consistent positive effects on lifespan for both genders. Overall, the study sheds light on the complex relationship between sports and longevity.
