It's an unfortunate fact that people often don't start thinking seriously about their health until later in life. The older some people get, the more interested they become in staying fit and healthy, but unfortunately by that point, endurance and stamina are usually not what they once were. One activity that older folks can engage in is golf. Golf provides a good workout for both the body and mind and can keep people feeling fit and healthy well into their golden years. Recent studies conducted in Sweden show that people who golf regularly live longer and have a better quality of life in their older years than those who don't. So what are the health benefits of golf?
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and golf involves a lot of walking. The game gets the heart pumping, especially if you walk and don't take a cart. One round of (walking) golf can burn up to 300 calories per hour. If you are not able to walk all 18, you can alternate between walking and riding until you are able to handle a more intense walking regimen on the course.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, skin health and disease prevention. While you can take supplements or eat foods to consume vitamin D, the sun is the best source of this essential vitamin for good health. Regular rounds of golf outside in the sunshine can keep vitamin D levels in a very healthy range.
A good day of exercise can lead to a good night's sleep. Sleep is essential for the body to recover from stress and to ensure you have the energy needed to get thorough the next day. Regular exercise in the day will allow you to have a deeper, more restful sleep through the night.
Studies show that people who socialize regularly live longer than those who lead isolated lives. Golf is a social activity, and can lead to making new friends both on and off the course.