We're all going to live longer!

[PetiteFleur]

Well, I was a pole vaulter in my teens but gave it up when I managed to break my wrist when I landed badly. I'm now an octogenariun so definitely worth it for me...

 

[Laser310]

I didn't see nordic skiing on the list.

49,000 men, 24,000 women, followed for 10 years.., and half the expected deaths.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12603494

Mortality amongst participants in Vasaloppet: a classical long-distance ski race in Sweden​

Abstract​

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess mortality amongst participants in long-distance ski races during the Vasaloppet week. We considered the 90 km races for men and 90 or 30 km for women. The vast majority of the participants in these races are not competing on the elite level. It is assumed, however, that they have to undergo regular physical training during a long period of time in order to successfully finish the race.


Design: The cohort study consisted of 49 219 men and 24 403 women, who participated in any of the races during 1989-1998. All subjects were followed up in the National-Cause-of-Death-Register until 31 December 1999. We computed the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) adjusting for age and calendar year.


Results: Overall, 410 deaths occurred, compared with 850.6 expected, yielding an SMR of 0.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.53]. Low SMRs were found in all age groups in both men and women and in all groups after categorization by finishing time and number of races. The lowest SMRs were found amongst older participants and in those who participated in several races. A decreased mortality was observed in all major diagnostic groups, namely cancers (SMR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.52-0.71), diseases of the circulatory system (SMR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.35-0.51), and injuries and poisoning (SMR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.60-0.89). For lung cancer the SMR was 0.22, but even after exclusion of lung cancer the all-cancer mortality was low (SMR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.59-0.86).


Conclusions: We conclude that participants in long-distance skiing races, which demand prolonged regular physical training, have low mortality. The extent to which this is due to physical activity, related lifestyle factors, genetics or selection bias is yet to be assessed.

 

[Sailing steve]

Sailing is usually an activity. Not a Sport

Indeed. Some while ago during a consultation my GP enthused about sailing as a means of keeping fit and healthy.

To her disappointment I explained my sort of sailing involves as little activity as possible and that a significant part of that activity involved no more than pushing a button to engage the autohelm and then going below to get another beer.

 

[Stemar]

I heard a thing the you only get so many heart beats before it packs up. A bit like the engine hours on you boat.
So the advice was don't use up all you allotted heart beats to early.

True or not but it is a good excuse to avoid doing work the wife wants done.

There's an element of truth in the "a bit like the engine hours on your boat" part, in that yacht engines tend to die sooner of underuse than overuse

 

[justanothersailboat]

If sailing forums are like this thanks to the longevity advantages of sailing, I wonder what pole vaulting forums are like...

 

[mjcoon]

I happened to read Dick Van Dyke's Wikipedia entry the other day. He has a good chance of making it to his 100th birthday next Saturday.
This is after being a heavy smoker, 20+ years alcoholism, and years of cheating on his wife while teaching at Sunday School.

Where's the natural justice in all that?

 

[KevinV]

I happened to read Dick Van Dyke's Wikipedia entry the other day. He has a good chance of making it to his 100th birthday next Saturday.
This is after being a heavy smoker, 20+ years alcoholism, and years of cheating on his wife while teaching at Sunday School.

Where's the natural justice in all that?

Obviously not averse to his spoonful of sugar?

 

[Stemar]

If sailing forums are like this thanks to the longevity advantages of sailing, I wonder what pole vaulting forums are like...

Niot very different, I expect. Except they'll argue about their poles rather than their anchors

 

[Supertramp]

Niot very different, I expect. Except they'll argue about their poles rather than their anchors

And perhaps tape measures!

 

[LittleSister]

. . . I explained my sort of sailing involves as little activity as possible and that a significant part of that activity involved no more than pushing a button to engage the autohelm and then going below to get another beer.

I used to find if I hadn't been on the boat for a while it was my leg muscles that were most noticeably surprised after sailing - seemingly mainly from clambering up and down the companionway steps. Your GP should therefore be encouraging you to drink more beer, perhaps even setting a target number of repetitions of the trip to the fridge.

 

[veshengro]

I wonder what pole vaulting forums are like...

I suspect they have more ups and downs than sailing forums.

 

[Blueboatman]

I wonder what pole vaulting forums are like...

I suspect they have more ups and downs than sailing forums.

The tales may well be taller too?

 

[veshengro]

The tales may well be taller too?

Yep! agreed, and probably with a twist half way through.

 

[Blueboatman]

Yep! agreed, and probably with a twist half way through.

Ah yes . And a terrible pitch pole to end on?

 

[Marsali_1]

Sailors can never be good pole vaulters, we're too used to approaching bars with trepidation while on the water, or on our hands and knees while on land.

 

[KevinV]

approaching bars with trepidation while on the water, or on our hands and knees while on land.

That's leaving