Exercise is an important factor to improve health condition and to increase life expectancy. However, health and life expectancy of elite athletes of longlasting competitions and vigorous activities are not well documented. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the mortality, life expectancy and cause of death amongs some Iranian former elite athletes.
The life expectancy and the cause of death in Iranian elite athletes between 1990 and 2000 were evaluated and compared to those of the normal population. Questionnaires, interviews and medical records were used. 73 male members of Iranian national teams, who passed away during this 10 year period, were identified. Cause of death were specified using death certificates. The life expectancy of the former elite athletes were significantly lower than the normal male population (63.5±3vs 68.8±4 years, t = 2.78, pO.OS) between those involved in individual sport activities (n =30) and those participated in team sport activities (n =12). Heart disease and cancer were the most frequent causes of death, present in 54.8 and 38% of death certificates of the former elite athletes respectively.
The life expectancy of Iranian former champions was lower than that of the normal population. Heart disease and cancer were the top two causes of death in former elite athletes.
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