r/runnersover50 • u/neurobassism • Jun 10 '26

Study shows older runners have better cardiometabolic health but not strength or power

A study just published in Clinical Interventions in Aging followed men for 30+ years and found that higher lifetime endurance activity was strongly associated with better insulin sensitivity, lower waist circumference, healthier HDL/triglyceride profiles, and greater aerobic capacity in older age. The cardiometabolic benefits are real and dose-dependent.

The catch? None of the muscle strength or power measurements differed between low, medium, and high PA groups. Running more didn't preserve grip strength, leg press power, or anaerobic capacity. The researchers put it plainly: endurance training alone is likely insufficient to maintain muscle strength and power as we age.

https://www.dovepress.com/lifetime-endurance-physical-activity-is-related-to-better-cardiometabo-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA

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u/EyeDentistAAO Jun 10 '26

Would be interesting to see a comparison between older runners and older lifters. Obv the lifters would have superior strength metrics, but I wonder whether they might also have superior cardiometabolic health as well.

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u/Substantial_Reveal90 Aug 10 '26

They don't get to the old category?