Golf: Mental and Physical Health Benefits

For many retirees, there’s nothing quite so liberating as playing a few holes of golf. In fact, it’s one of the few sports that can be played regardless of age. In 2021, around 4.8 million people played golf – that’s about 7% of the population. But what’s the appeal?

Just like any sport, golf has its share of mental and physical health benefits. Moreover, it’s a reasonably sedate sport, and very accessible even if you have no experience. Plus, one of the main draws is that you can take the time to socialise without being exhausted by exercising.

If you haven’t yet taken up this hobby, our list of the mental and physical health benefits of golf may just convince you.

Spending Time Outdoors

Whilst the UK may not boast the finest weather in the world, it’s still important to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Spending time outside provides a host of benefits all its own, especially in later life. For example, direct sunlight contributes to the production of vitamin D, which supports your immune system and aids with the absorption of calcium. This is important for maintaining healthy bones.

Spending time outdoors can also boost your mental wellbeing. Many people find that fresh air and exercise lifts their mood. It can even boost confidence, especially if you’re doing something you enjoy.

Fights Loneliness

As we have mentioned, golf is a very social sport. When you join a club, you will be meeting other people who also have an interest in the game. There will be plenty of opportunities between holes to talk to your fellow players.

Loneliness can affect anyone, but it’s often over-65s who are most vulnerable. Engaging in a social sport like golf helps you to forge new friendships. By being part of a club, you can see your friends regularly, which also gives you something to look forward to each week.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

A good game of golf involves a decent amount of walking. Regular walks help to improve your heart health and boost circulation. You will have plenty of opportunities for getting your heart pumping and resting as you journey across the course.

What’s more, as walking is a low-intensity activity, you are unlikely to cause yourself an injury. It will take less of a toll on your joints, helping you to gradually improve your fitness. Even a 10-minute walk has lots of health benefits. Walking will improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and overall improves your energy levels.

Burns Calories

Anyone who has tried losing weight is familiar with calories. Getting involved in golf is an entertaining and low energy means of burning through some extra calories to keep your weight under control. Every swing and every minute spent walking makes a difference.

In fact, according to Dungannon Golf Club, you could burn as many as 1,500 calories during a single round of golf. That’s roughly one meal from McDonald’s. If you are already eating healthy, this makes golf an ideal exercise for keeping fit.

Healthy Competition

Challenging yourself and your friends is a good way to keep yourself interested in the sport. It also helps you to forge stronger connections with the people you play with. The sense of accomplishment that comes from improving your game will lift your mood and keep you coming back for more.

Friendly competition helps to improve your opinion of yourself. It can motivate you to accomplish your goals and, ultimately, leave you with more self-esteem. Of course, it’s important not to take things too far. And remember that there’s nothing wrong with other people being better than you. Focus on enjoying the experience.

Improve Concentration

Though a reasonably laidback activity, playing a round of golf works your mind as well as your body. A lot of variables come into play when it comes to taking a swing. You need to know how hard to hit the ball and where to get it as close to the hole as possible. Improved concentration can lead to increased accuracy during your game.

Golf is, compared to many sports, quiet. It offers a controlled environment in which to learn how to use your skills efficiently, without crowds or referees to distract you. Keeping your mind active helps to prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s, and golf could also be an effective mindfulness activity.

Support Mobility

Playing a round of golf can help to strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility. As you use your body more in the ways that matter, you will find that your range of motion expands. When you first start playing, you may find that your swing is a bit stiff. After a few weeks, however, you’ll have trained your muscles to work just right.

Of course, it’s important not to push yourself too hard. Improper technique could result in golfing-related injuries. Know your limits and slowly train yourself to become a better golfer. You will notice that the improvements in your golfing skill also show in your mobility at home.

Golf in Safe Hands

It’s important to feel confident that you can play golf safely. If you are worried about your wellbeing away from home, consider a GPS Alarm from Careline365. This portable personal alarm makes it easy to arrange help in an emergency.

Simply press the button on your GPS alarm pendant to send an alert to our 24/7 Care Team. If you upgrade to fall detection, you can benefit from automatic alerts if it sense you have fallen. When your alert is received, our team act fast to arrange help by calling your emergency contacts or, if necessary, the emergency services.

With the GPS alarm, help can be sent directly to your location, keeping you safe on the go.

You can order your Careline alarm online or by calling our helpful team on 0800 101 3333.