Revealed: Why playing a round of golf could add five years to your life

[Snowden]

Revealed: Why playing a round of golf could add five years to your life

By Fiona Macrae
Last updated at 11:11 PM on 30th May 2008


As sports go, it is far from the most strenuous. But golf appears to have significant health benefits, including the ability to make you live longer.

A study of 300,000 golfers revealed that they were 40 per cent less likely to die at any given age than those who did not play.

Researchers said this equates to an average of five extra years of life.






Health clubs: a Swedish study has revealed the health benefits of playing 18 holes


The study showed that the best players - as measured by handicap - were the most healthy of all. They were 47 per cent less likely to die at any point than non-golfers of the same age.

The Swedish research team said that despite the lack of intense physical activity, golf is still healthy. They pointed out that a single round of 18 holes usually involves walking more than four miles.

Anders Ahlbom, who led the study at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, said: 'A round of golf means being outside for four or five hours, walking at a fast pace for six to seven kilometres, something which is known to be good for the health.'

The lower death rate among the best golfers may be due to the extra time they spend on the course, said the professor.

'Maintaining a low handicap involves playing a lot, so this supports the idea that it is largely the game itself that is good for the health,' he added. The sociability of the game is another possible factor in extending life.

Professor Ahlbom added: 'People play golf into old age, and there are also positive social and psychological aspects to the game that can be of help.'

The study did not rule out that factors other than the actual playing, such as a generally healthy lifestyle, contribute to the increased life expectancy.

But, writing in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, the researchers said it is likely that the game in itself has a significant impact on health.

The finding applied across all social classes - showing that golfers' better health cannot simply be explained by them being wealthier than average.

The study is not the first to delve into the science of golf. Research published last year showed that the key to success on the golf course could lie in a happy marriage.

The British study found that players who receive the most support off the course perform the best on it.

Loved ones are credited with boosting self-esteem and giving encouragement and reassurance. They can also help with relaxation and provide practical assistance, such as organising practice sessions and travel to and from competitions.

Even just knowing there is someone there to listen can help someone cope better, the researchers said.


Revealed: Why playing a round of golf could add five years to your life | Mail Online