Why do professional athletes look older?
John Hall
Updated on May 28, 2026
Sun exposure can cause decreased elasticity of skin, thinning of the dermis, and collagen degeneration. These factors, combined with the effects of gravity, help to make us look older. Wind and cold can also dry the skin and can contribute to an aged appearance.
Do athletes age quicker?
According to a recent study by the University of Maryland researchers, senior athletes report fitness age that are often 20+ years less than their chronological age.Do NFL players age faster?
Over 6,000 professional athletes were studied, and the results revealed startling news. NFL players' rate of death was 1.3 times higher than pro baseball players. The research is the first time any comparison of life expectancy between professional athletes has been done.Do athletes age better?
The results showed that those who have exercised regularly have defied the aging process, having the immunity, muscle mass, and cholesterol levels of a young person. Researchers at the University of Birmingham and King's College London have found that staying active keeps the body young and healthy.What happens to athletes bodies as they age?
Age changes how our bodies use oxygenOne big reason we see declines in aerobic (or endurance) athletic performance with age is that our bodies can't use oxygen as effectively. The maximal ability to utilize oxygen (VO2max) is a predictor of endurance performance across ages.