Which Athletes Live the Longest and Why?

Have you ever wondered how long professional athletes live? What do marathon runners, tennis players, and swimmers have in common that helps them reach old age? Or why do boxers and American football players often have shorter lives?

So, which athletes live the longest?

Studies show that athletes generally live longer than non-athletes, thanks to their high levels of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. However, lifespan can vary significantly depending on the sport. Here are some statistics on the lifespans of different athletes:

• Marathon Runners: The average lifespan of professional marathon runners is around 79 years, which is 6-7 years longer than the general population.
• Footballers (Soccer Players): Research indicates that professional footballers live an average of 3-4 years longer than ordinary people. For instance, a study on Swedish league footballers found they live an average of 76 years.
• Tennis Players: Studies show that tennis players have one of the highest life expectancies among athletes—around 80 years.
• Golfers: The average lifespan of professional golfers is also higher than average—about 77-80 years.
• Swimmers: Professional swimmers live on average 79-80 years, benefiting from low injury rates and high aerobic activity.
• Long-Distance Runners: Research shows that long-distance runners live 4-6 years longer than the average population, thanks to their high aerobic activity and strong cardiovascular systems.

What do these sports have in common?

• High Level of Physical Activity: Sports like running, swimming, cycling, and tennis require intense physical activity, which improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
• Regular Training: Professional athletes follow strict training regimes, helping them maintain high physical fitness over many years.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Athletes usually adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Continuous Medical Supervision: Professional athletes have access to regular medical check-ups and highly qualified doctors, allowing for timely detection and treatment of various conditions.
• Mental Health: Engaging in sports improves mental health by reducing stress and depression levels. Psychological resilience and motivation also play crucial roles in longevity.
• Social Connections and Support: Athletes often have extensive social networks, including coaches, teammates, and fans, contributing to positive social interactions and support.
• Reduced Risk of Obesity: High levels of physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

Indeed, aerobic exercises and their consistent distribution over time play a crucial role in improving health and increasing the lifespan of professional athletes.

And Which Athletes Live the Shortest?

Studies indicate that athletes involved in high-contact sports, frequent injuries, and intense, explosive activities may have shorter lifespans compared to those in aerobic sports. Here are some sports where athletes might live shorter lives:

• American Football: American football players are at high risk for injuries, including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The average lifespan of NFL players is around 53-59 years, significantly lower than the general population.

• Boxing: Boxers often suffer from head injuries and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia. The average lifespan of professional boxers is about 60-65 years.

• Wrestling: Professional wrestlers frequently face injuries from intense physical activities and dangerous stunts. The average lifespan of wrestlers in professional leagues like WWE is also significantly lower, around 55-60 years.

• Ice Hockey: Hockey players are at high risk for head and body injuries. The average lifespan of professional hockey players is lower than average, especially due to the risk of developing CTE and other injuries.

• Auto Racing: Auto racing drivers, such as those in Formula 1 and NASCAR, face high risks of accidents and related injuries. Although modern safety measures have improved the situation, historically, auto racing has been associated with high mortality rates.

• Rugby: Rugby players, like football players, often face head and body injuries. Studies show that rugby players may have shorter lifespans due to high physical stress and injuries.

• Bodybuilding: Professional bodybuilders sometimes resort to using steroids and other substances, negatively impacting cardiovascular health and the liver, shortening their lifespan.

These sports are characterized by high physical stress, injuries, and intense activities, which can adversely affect the health and longevity of athletes.

Moderation and Joy in Workouts

To achieve longevity, it’s essential that workouts are enjoyable rather than forced. Training to the point of exhaustion is not the key to a long, happy life. If you want to live a long and joyful life, forget about pushing yourself to failure in the gym. Instead, focus on finding physical activities that you love and can consistently engage in.

This conclusion is supported by my own research, which shows that those who enjoy their workouts tend to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle more consistently. Moreover, consider the results of Peter Attia, a well-known physician who rigorously trains to the point of exhaustion. Despite his intense regimen, his biological age results are quite modest compared to others in similar studies. This suggests that moderation and enjoyment in physical activities might be more beneficial for long-term health and longevity than extreme training.

So, listen to your body, prioritize your well-being, and enjoy the journey to a healthier, longer life.