Ultra marathon runners could possibly see up to 16yr added lifespan

New Victorian research reveals that running long-distance runs can slow the ageing process by protecting the part of the body that stops the genes from fraying.
Runners in The Federation University Australia study had an average age of 43, but their biological age was just 27.
-link

Though previously in this blog we saw that benefits peaked at sub8mph 10miles per week and that exceeding 8mph or 20-25 miles per week could possibly damage the heart neutralizing some of the benefits.   Yet it is said that low intensity exercise does not have such a cap on adding benefits(more research is needed.), which suggest walking for most of ultramarathon distances would be optimal.   That is 10-15 miles per week with 2-3 days of resting per week at no more than 8mph and several hours of walking to achieve the ultramarathon distance.

 The findings, to be presented at the Australian Society for Medical Research National Conference, found ultra-marathon runners clocking up 40-100 km a week had 11 per cent longer telomeres.-link

Yet lifestyle changes

 Ten of the patients embarked on lifestyle changes that included: a plant-based diet (high in fruits, vegetables and unrefined grains, and low in fat and refined carbohydrates); moderate exercise (walking 30 minutes a day, six days a week); stress reduction (gentle yoga-based stretching, breathing, meditation). They also participated in weekly group support.  -link

 might allow similar benefit with much less exercise

The group that made the lifestyle changes experienced a “significant” increase in telomere length of approximately 10 percent. -link

But might not both interventions be combined and yield greater results?

Link to a nice list and info on resveratrol benefit

 The third story in my “top 10” list is another example of pathway synergy.  Combining exercise with Resveratrol supplementation enhances mitochondrial biogenesis more than is explainable due to summing the effects of the individual interventions.

Stories 2 and 3 convey a very powerful message for anti-aging interventions: combining interventions in seemingly independent pathways may produce positive effects that are much greater than additive.-link

Interesting post on another site about a list on aging things from 2013.  This one, 3rd on the list, shows resveratrol having a positive effect on rodents.

NOTE:  Regards the vitamin findings on the list, I consider them highly suspect even many researchers not associated to big pharma have a tendency to dismiss supplements(probably don't like taking pills even if it's cents a day).  It is also the case that it is extremely unlikely that in a large population none would have a deficiency in at least one nutrient given the diversity of diets, so at least some in the population should see benefits.   In addition those who're given a vitamin and don't normally take one might also engage in additional harmful lifestyle activity which may more than counter the benefits of vitamins and minerals.