Golf is a sport that is commonly associated with the beauty of retirement. However, beyond this appeal, it has significant health, social, and mental benefits to senior citizens. It is common knowledge that most golfers who now play in retirement began playing when they were in their 50s and 60s.
While some retirees have discovered and enjoyed this beautiful game, others are indifferent, owing to a lack of knowledge about its numerous benefits. This article shares some of the benefits of golf to inspire you to start considering the sport in retirement too.
Physical benefits
Walking the golf holes and course burns a significant number of calories, builds muscle, improves cardiovascular functions, and increases endurance. These are all important aspects of staying healthy as you get older.
In addition, the golf swing increases muscle strength and reduces lower back pain. While your regular workout activities put your body under stress, golf does the same job but with less stress. Overall, it is a great way of working out while having fun.
Walking the golf holes and course burns a significant number of calories, builds muscle, improves cardiovascular functions, and increases endurance.
Mental benefits
Secondly, golf has huge mental benefits. The basic activities of the game require mental calculations like grass depth, wind direction, ball location, slope, green etc. These activities keep your mind stimulated, alert, and fit which help prevent Alzheimer’s in old age. It also reduces stress with relatively low injury risk. Therefore, like an apple a day, it’s safe to say playing golf once or more times a week keeps you away from the doctor.
Unlike most other sports, golf allows you to participate in healthy competitions that are appropriate for senior citizens.
It is also proven that golf releases endorphins (the ‘feel-good hormones), which help to boost your mood and well being while relieving you of stress. These are major mental ingredients for productivity.
Social benefits
Having a supportive community is priceless, and golf provides this opportunity. While some folks find themselves lonely in retirement, it is a different reality for most golfers. Golf keeps you connected to like-minded individuals, sometimes with interests that can lead to other mutually beneficial conversations and engagements.
Also, as you retire and age with fewer reasons to go out, there is a tendency to spend more time alone at home. However, regular golf outings help to cultivate and maintain relationships with friends as well as provide you with the excitement of a fun event to look forward to.
Golf keeps you connected to like-minded individuals, sometimes with interests that can lead to other mutually beneficial conversations and engagements.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ernest Ademola Ehigie is a Copywriter, Content Developer, Author, Brand Consultant, and Communications Manager with over 5 years in marketing communications. He has written several articles, policy documents, press releases, radio and TV adverts for businesses and organizations. He's the author of the book, "Why You Must Lead" and currently works as a content manager for Detail and Avedia, a leading retail and media consulting firm.
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