The Science Behind When You're Too Old To Be A Runner

Every New Year, many of us make the resolution to take up exercising more often and what could be more accessible to us than running. Simply throw on some trainers and go, right?

Then the year goes by, the resolution slowly goes down the drain and uh, maybe next year will be the time that we’re running 10k’s and eyeing up the London Marathon ballot.

However, is there an age when we’re simply too old to be trying to take up this sport? Isn’t it going to be rougher on our knees as we age?

Isn’t running bad for the knees?

Writing for The Conversation, Hunter Bennett, a Lecturer in Exercise Science, University of South Australia argues that actually, running could help our knees as we age. 

One way to think of this is to not think of our body as something that decays over time. Bennett explains: “Your body isn’t simply a pile of bones and cartilage that gets worn down with every step. It is a living dynamic system that grows and adapts in response to the loads that are placed upon it.”

With this in mind, he says that the more we use our knees, the more benefits we’ll experience.

He says: “Your knee joint is incredibly strong and designed to move. The cartilage inside your knee is a strong, flexible, connective tissue that cushions and protects the bones of your knee joint.

“There is good evidence to show when someone’s load is removed – for example, during prolonged bed rest or immobilisation – their bone and cartilage begins to deteriorate.”

This makes perfect sense. 

 So, when are we too old for running?

Bennett says: “Unfortunately (at least to my knowledge) there is no strong evidence examining what happens when you pick up running later in life. However, other lines of research do suggest it is likely safe and effective.

“A 2020 study demonstrated that older adults (65 years and older) who start high intensity jump training (known as “plyometric” training) not only see improvements in strength and function, but also find it safe and enjoyable.”

He went on to explain that these types of training lead to higher joint loads than running, giving us a fair indication that running later in life is safe.

How to get started with running

Bennett advises: “Like any type of exercise, your muscles and joints need time to adapt to the new load that is being placed upon them.

“With this in mind, it’s best to start with intervals where you walk for a short period, then jog for a short period. Then you can gradually increase your running distance over time, giving your body time to adapt.”

The NHS Couch to 5k plan is ideal for this.