Someone quite rightly pointed out in another thread there is some evidence that continuing high level training into middle and old age may be detrimental to health and longevity. As an endurance athlete since 1973 I do not dismiss these observations out of hand because they make sense in the respect that our bodies have a mechanical aspect to them and our organs are wear items that are not designed to last forever.

But the observations are not supported by evidence of an epidemic of older endurance athletes dropping dead in races or in training. There is however an epidemic of early deaths among sedentary populations in developed countries particularly highly developed countries like the United States.

We must consider an array of variables that need to be taken into account when comparisons are made between active, vigorous individuals and the static lifestyles of general populations. Endurance athletes are far less likely to use tobacco or abuse alcohol and drugs. They are also less likely to be obese or diabetic. So they exist in a bubble of protection just by virtue of these differences.

This is not to say that there is no credence in warnings that excessive taxation on the heart and respiratory tract could produce symptoms that herald the onset of sudden death. This can occur in athletes of all ages but it is a concern among older adults simply because they have a lot more mileage on their bodies. Atrial Fibrillation is more common in older people and it is likely undiagnosed in staggering proportions. But AF is rarely a cause of death in endurance competitions.

Until I see compelling evidence that high level training will shorten or deteriorate quality of life I will continue to use it because I feel good doing it. And if this is really such a problem then we all might as well just hang up our bikes and go bowling.