Running & Aging: Is Marathon Running a Sign of Getting Old?

Does Running Make You Age Faster? Experts Weigh In on the “Runner’s Face” Debate

A recent discussion sparked by a South Korean broadcast has ignited debate over whether long-distance running accelerates the aging process. While concerns about the physical toll of marathons are valid, experts suggest the narrative around running and aging is largely exaggerated, with sun exposure and extreme weight loss playing a far more significant role.

The Initial Spark: A Singer’s Dramatic Change

The conversation began after singer Sean completed an 81.5km marathon on the 80th anniversary of Liberation, reportedly experiencing a visible physical decline. As one panelist observed on MBC’s “All-time Interview Point,” Sean “quickly became my grandfather” after completing the 42km mark. The singer’s rapid fatigue – a heart rate spiking to 160, dehydration, and overall exhaustion – prompted questions about the long-term effects of such strenuous activity.

The Claim: Running and Accelerated aging

The debate quickly turned to whether running itself could contribute to premature aging. A New York plastic surgeon, Dr. Gerald imber, argued via TikTok that running can damage knees and ankles, cause skin sagging, and even reduce height due to constant spinal compression. He cautioned that while moderate running (a few miles a week) is acceptable, prolonged exertion could promote aging. “Have you ever seen a long-distance runner who doesn’t look old and old?” he reportedly asked.

Did you know? – “Runner’s Face,” characterized by facial sagging, is more strongly linked to sun exposure and fat loss than to running itself, according to medical experts.

counterarguments Emerge: It’s Not the Running, It’s the Sun

However, the medical community is divided on the issue. Experts point to a phenomenon known as “Runner’s Face” – sagging and aging of the face after years of running – but attribute it primarily to ultraviolet light exposure and excessive loss of body fat, rather than the act of running itself.

Dr.Boris Pascober of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School explained that while ultra-high intensity aerobic exercise can reduce body fat, there’s “no objective clinical basis that supports the argument that shaking the body while running and increasing the skin or the aging.” he noted that a gaunt appearance combined with prolonged sun exposure is common among those who work outdoors, such as gardeners, skiers, and construction workers.

The Role of Sun Protection and Moderate Exercise

Dr. Freeman of the Denver National Health research Institute of Denver, Colorado, emphasized the overall benefits of running, including reduced blood pressure, improved cholesterol, and enhanced mental health.He cautioned against a sedentary lifestyle, stating that “people who live in more, longer moving society have a lower incidence of heart disease.” However, he also stressed that the appropriate amount of exercise varies from person to person.

Pro tip: – Protect your skin with sunscreen during outdoor exercise to mitigate potential aging effects from ultraviolet light exposure.

A Rehabilitation Specialist’s Outlook: Running Protects the Knees

Adding another layer to the discussion, Professor Chung Se-hee, a rehabilitation medicine expert with 23 years of running experience, actively defended the practice. Appearing on tvN’s “yu Quiz on the Block,” Professor Chung emphasized the importance of aerobic exercise for brain health, stating that the brain “should always be supplied through blood when it is necessary.” She refuted the claim that running is detrimental to the knees, asserting that “running is rather knee protection.” She also argued that focusing solely on external signs of aging overlooks the importance of internal organ health and cardiovascular function.

The Bottom Line: Moderation and Protection are Key

Ultimately, the claim that running inherently promotes aging appears to be overstated. The real culprits are prolonged outdoor exercise without adequate sun protection and excessive weight loss. By diligently applying sunscreen and incorporating proper skincare, individuals can enjoy the numerous benefits of running without considerably increasing their risk of premature aging.

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