BY AAGD STAFF
May 14, 2020 —Flipping through the obituaries page of any newspaper surely is a morbid experience, however, the next time you are wondering what you could do to stall the inevitable, consider this:
Golfers live longer. Yes, really!
A study shows evidence that was reported by CNN and released earlier this month. The findings are astonishing according to experts:
When comparing death rates among golfers and non-golfers, researchers found that golfers had a more than 8% lower death rate (from all causes) than non-golfers. While playing golf hasn’t been shown to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke, golf as a protective factor against early death risk is a suitable activity option for older adults due to its low impact and relaxed nature.
The health benefits of playing golf regularly are considerable with much of it being attributed to the walking, the sunshine, the nature, the camaraderie, and even some the competition.
“While walking and low-intensity jogging may be comparable exercise, they lack the competitive excitement of golf. Regular exercise, exposure to a less polluted environment and social interactions provided by golf are all positive for health,” Qureshi said.
These findings are not the first time that golf has been shown to aid in the health of participants and benefit them with a chance for living longer. In 2016, an Edinburgh study found golfers lived on average five years longer than non-golfers. It also said playing golf could help those who suffer chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and even colon and breast cancer. That is not a claim the most recent study supports, however.
With strong support by the World Golf Foundation, GolfandHealth.org. listed a wide range of benefits in playing golf regularly and the research was backed by years of study. Among them:
– Mental health: Physical activity (such as golf) is known to be effective in treating mild-moderate depression
– Physical health: Golf may help reduce the risk of falls and help older people live independently
– Social health: Golf has been shown to enhance interaction between different generations, and has been proven to provide opportunities to enhance social connections.
– Attending a live golf event has shown an average of over 11,500 steps per day.
The study is certainly reassuring to those who enjoy playing golf, and with the decline of golf participation in the USA overall, perhaps it will inspire more people to get out and learn to enjoy the game.
