[freefrancisco]

Even if the study had been conducted properly, this only addresses walking vs running. That running is better than walking doesn't necessarily mean that people should go and start running. How about running vs lifting weights, running vs yoga, or running vs tai chi?

[kangax]

A much more interesting question indeed.

There's been numerous (human and animal) studies showing benefits of strength training for elderly. Ergo-log covers [1] those [2] all [3] the time [4].

Then there's evidence [5] suggesting that higher calorie burning is directly associated with reduced death rate.

And a specific quote on muscle mass:

"A recent theory suggests that developed muscle mass results in considerable emissions of anti-inflammatory and life-extending signal substances. That's why muscular strength is believed to protect against cancer and why strong men are thought to live longer."

(links to studies confirming those claims are in the article)

The thing about running (if we're talking about traditional jogging) is that it does poor job at burning calories. It's a movement that becomes "familiar" very quick (and so becomes easier, according to Principle of Adaptation) and the one in which it's difficult to increase intensity. You also don't develop muscle mass when jogging, which would contribute to higher metabolic rate and reduced chance of injury.

Everything suggests that strength training (whether it's bodyweight, yoga, suspension trainer, or barbells and kettlebells) combined with proper supplementation is the best bang for your buck.

[1] http://www.ergo-log.com/over-seventies-benefit-more-from-pow...

[2] http://www.ergo-log.com/combination-strength-training-green-...

[3] http://www.ergo-log.com/over-nineties-still-react-to-strengt...

[4] http://www.ergo-log.com/cholesterolmuscles.html

[5] http://www.ergo-log.com/caloriemortality.html