This is also true for endurance running, wine, coffee, beer, olive oil, eating lots of meat, not eating lots of meat etc.

No, the evidence for each of those is far more limited, ambiguous, and in one case contradictory. You would not advise your parents to maintain strength enough to stand because only prospective studies link standing strength to longevity?

The first example I can understand, but I am not following you with the rest.

They are all things that have been shown to extend lifespan in various studies in the past few years. Some of these studies were observational like this, some where done by giving mice ridiculous doses etc but they all got picked up by the media.

Some of these results are probably valid but if you want to scientifically extend your life you need to do so with statistical rigor.

Show me a rigorous study demonstrating that one can only lengthen their lifespan by making decisions based on evidence at the level you demand.

I don't believe you make every, or even remotely close to most of your decisions in daily life by this standard. Human brains aren't designed to and don't have the energy to do so.

No I don't...I take my doctors advise but I also exercise and eat well because I enjoy it.

However, in my job, I analyze large medical datasets. You will understand if I get a bit pedantic about such things.

Doing some strength training is a probable plus on several fronts with few risks. However if I am advising doctors or the presidential physical fitness council to recommend strength training vs endurance training vs focusing on diet on an institutional level I need to look at the evidence for each with more rigor.

Stop smoking, buckle your seatbelt, lose a few pounds and take tons of Vitamin D. Everything else is conjecture.

Except don't take tons of Vitamin D http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120529102346.ht...

There was a recent study which found that running only increased life expectancy if you were running 10-20miles (or km, memory hazy) per week. More than that and life expectancy decreased again.

So endurance running, which I would guess you would categorise as marathon+ will decrease your life expectancy.

Edit: /s/will/could Depending on how much running you already do.

Running 4 hours per week for 20 years will add 6 months to your expected lifespan. However, those 6 months will have been entirely spent running. So, plan accordingly.

Exercise demands time so in terms of increased life expectancy versus time spent exercising it's probably a wash. Speaking personally though, I feel awesome when I exercise regularly, and when I don't, I don't.

Exercise for higher quality of life and a better looking body, the longevity benefits are overrated.

You shouldn't forget to compare general health of one who runs versus one who doesn't. Not only just wellbeing, but sick days (missed on income), medical bills etc.

That is kind of my point. Everyone thought running was good but more rigorous analysis showed that it is not that simple.

You are of course talking about monkey bar fighting over a pit of snakes, right?