1. A recent study confirms that people who run regularly, live longer. How can one explain that?
2. More retired people die each year than those who have not retired. Does this mean that delaying retirement will increase one's life expectancy? Explain.
We do not do your homework for you. Although it might take more effort to do the work on your own, you will profit more from your effort. We will be happy to evaluate your work though.
However, it might help to consider the questions below.
1. Are runners more likely to avoid negative aspects for health, like obesity and smoking?
2. Are the ages equivalent? Is retirement chosen or forced?
For question #1, can you say that the two variables are positively correlated however, it doesn't mean that running regularly can cause one to lives longer.
For question #2, are you saying that there are other variables that need to be considered?
1. Correlation does not necessarily mean causation.
2. That's what I am saying. Same for 1.
1. The explanation for the finding that people who run regularly tend to live longer can be attributed to several factors. Here are a few possible explanations:
- Improved cardiovascular health: Regular running is known to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the heart, and enhance blood circulation. This can lead to a decreased risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, which are common causes of premature death.
- Enhanced lung function: Running helps to strengthen respiratory muscles and improve lung capacity, which can result in better oxygen supply to the body and improved overall respiratory health.
- Weight management: Running is a form of aerobic exercise that aids in burning calories and maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity not only increases the risk of various chronic diseases but also shortens lifespan. By engaging in regular running, individuals are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.
- Mental health benefits: Engaging in regular exercise, including running, has been proven to have positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Improved mental well-being can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and, indirectly, to a longer life.
To arrive at these explanations, the study likely took a large sample of individuals who run regularly and compared their mortality rates with those who do not engage in regular running. Additionally, statistical methods would have been employed to control for other factors that could influence lifespan, such as age, gender, and overall health status.
2. While it is true that more retired people die each year than those who have not retired, this does not necessarily mean that delaying retirement directly increases one's life expectancy. Instead, other factors could be at play. Here's an explanation:
- Age-related health issues: Retired individuals are generally older, and with increasing age, the risk of developing various health issues also rises. These age-related health conditions could contribute to higher mortality rates among retired individuals.
- Accumulation of risk factors: Over a lifetime, individuals may accumulate risk factors for disease and mortality. By the time people retire, they may have already been exposed to various risk factors that can impact overall health and lifespan.
- Selection bias: The statement does not take into account the selection bias associated with retirement. People who are in poor health or have chronic illnesses are more likely to retire earlier due to their health conditions. Therefore, the increased mortality rate among retired individuals might be a result of pre-existing health issues rather than retirement itself.
To determine whether delaying retirement can directly increase life expectancy, a comprehensive and well-controlled study would need to be conducted. Such a study should assess various factors, including lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and overall health, to better understand the relationship between retirement and mortality rates.