Investigation of the Relationship Between Life Span in Successful Athletes and Life Expectancy at Birth

Abstract

Humanity's quest for immortality has necessitated the struggle for longevity. The way to live better and longer is health. At this point, sports emerge as a tool for a healthy and long life. The aim of this study is to reveal the relationship between life expectancy at birth and the life span of successful athletes. The sample of the study consisted of all athletes who received medals on behalf of Turkey in the Olympics and died until 2021. The expected life span of the athletes at the date of birth was estimated with the help of the exponential equations created in Excel. In the light of these obtained data, graphs were created comparing the ages of death of the athletes with the life expectancy at birth in Turkey, Europe, Asia, Eurasia and the World. As a result, we can say that life expectancy at birth in Turkey, where the sample group is located, is generally low when compared to Europe, Asia, Eurasia and the World, of which Turkey is a part. However, life expectancy at birth of athletes was found to be above the life expectancy in Turkey, Europe, Asia, Eurasia and the World, considering the age of death. This result indicates that sports can be used as a tool that makes a positive contribution to life expectancy.