Train like an Olympian and live longer

According to a study published by the British Medical Journal, researchers compared the life expectancy of 15,174 Olympic athletes, who won medals between 1896 and 2010, with that of the general population and found that they lived 2.8 years longer. The authors suggested possible explanations included genetics, physical activity, a healthy lifestyle and wealth and status that comes from international sporting success. However an accompanying editorial suggests that those who do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous intensity activity can gain similar survival advantages over the inactive general population. The authors concluded, "although the evidence points to a small survival effect of being an Olympian, careful reflection suggests that similar health benefits and longevity could be achieved by all of us through regular physical activity. We could and should all award ourselves that personal gold medal."