As published in the October 2024 edition of Apex Matters
There was a time when Jackrabbit Johannsen was, at one point, the oldest known living person. A pioneer of cross-country skiing in North America, Jackrabbit (Herman Smith-Johannsen, 1875 to 1987) is a legend in the ski community. I’ve often wondered if something about skiing kept Jackrabbit, and the many seasoned skiers I see at Nickel Plate, going.
Beyond his long life, Jackrabbit’s contributions to the sport are unparalleled. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, became the namesake of Cross Country Canada’s Jackrabbit program, which produced Olympic medalists, earned an honorary doctorate, was inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame, and became an honorary member of Norway’s prestigious skiing club Skiklubben Ull.
When you’re in the woods, gliding on snow, slicing your way down the trails, something amazing happens. There’s a mental clarity, a connection to nature, and a physical reward. Cross-country skiing isn’t just exercise; it’s a meditation, a journey through nature, a mind-emptying peace, and perhaps a key to the secret of staying young.
It turns out that Jackrabbit Johannsen might have been onto something all along. Science increasingly supports the idea that regular exercise – especially cardio activities like cross-country skiing – can slow the aging process. Aerobic exercises that elevate the heart rate and engage the whole body have been shown to boost cognitive function and promote longevity.
For one, exercise stimulates the production of proteins – such as mitochondrial, chaperone, and genome maintenance proteins – that protect cells from aging-related damage. These proteins keep muscles, bones, and joints resilient, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and independence.
Secondly, cross-country skiing strengthens the heart, works nearly every muscle, and sharpens the mind through its coordination and balance demands. As a low-impact yet high-intensity exercise, it’s particularly beneficial for older adults, reducing the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, and contributing to a longer, healthier life.
Also, the mental health benefits of exercise are significant. Exercise, even mild, releases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins—chemicals that improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance motivation. This “feeling great” you get after sharpens mental clarity and helps regulate emotions. Over time, exercise promotes brain plasticity, boosting memory and cognitive function, keeping both mind and body youthful
In Johannsen’s case, it’s easy to conclude that his skiing routine – often clocking miles on the snowy trails – played a significant role in keeping him fit and mentally agile well into his golden years.
Of course, the fountain of youth isn’t found solely at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre – sadly the snow doesn’t last year-round. Most avid skiers stay active in the off-season with complementary activities like biking, swimming, paddling, and walking, all of which keep the body resilient until the snow returns.
While walking may not have the thrill of skiing, it’s still a powerful tool for maintaining health. As a low-impact activity, it’s accessible to almost everyone, regardless of fitness level. And when done in natural settings, much like skiing, walking provides mental rewards – lowering stress, lifting mood, and fostering a deeper connection to nature.
Often overlooked is the importance of strength training – an essential component of staying fit as we age. Maintaining strength through weightlifting not only boosts muscle mass, bone density, and balance, but it also prevents the muscle loss associated with aging, reducing fall risk and keeping people independent longer.
Beyond exercise, time spent outdoors is another key to longevity. Studies show that people living near green spaces experience lower mortality rates than those in less green environments, with benefits that extend to mental and physical health.
Being outdoors, whether you’re skiing or snowshoeing through snow-covered forests or simply walking among trees, has profound effects on both physical and mental health. Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels, and boost overall well-being. So, perhaps the secret to a long, healthy life isn’t just the exercise – it’s the trees, the snow, the mountains, and the wide-open spaces that come with outdoor activities like cross-country skiing.
Cross-country skiing might not be the only fountain of youth, but at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, we think it’s the best one!
Jens Petersen
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