CNN Health Minute has an interesting article on running as people age. No need to hang up your running shoes as you ageThey point to the weekend warriors, who don’t stretch, and exercise regularly, who go out and play tennis, football, or basketball like they did when they were in their twenties, and end up in the hospital with knee and other joint injuries.You’ve heard me say it before, it is more and more crucial as you age, to stretch and stretch seriously.  And put real time into it, warm up slowly, and cool down slowly.  Stretching the joints related to running in all directions, and with slow, deliberate, and sustained intensity before, during, and after the workout is key.  This maintains joint health, which helps those joints continue to do what you’re asking them to do.  Of course a balanced diet is important too.  Keeping your overall bodyweight down, puts less stress on the joints, even when you’re not working out.  Remember, working out taxes the joints causing them to tighten.  Running especially causes this to the hamstrings.  That means you need to stretch more than someone who doesn’t run.  Plain and simple.