Health benefits of playing Golf

BrianD3

Probably seems like a silly idea for a thread but I was thinking about the possible health benefits of playing golf and doing other forms of sedate exercise. Perhaps this might encourage some discussion

It seems to me that many pro golfers live to a ripe old age. Eg here is a list of pro golfers that competed in Shell's Wonderful World of Golf matches from 1962-2003. Clicking on each player says whether he is alive or not and what age he is/was
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell's_Wonderful_World_of_Golf

Then I googled golf + life expectancy and found this from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/ki-gpl053008.php

Then I thought about my own golf club and the amount of 80+ year olds who have played golf most of their lives and still play (bad) golf several times per week. A key question would be, are they active and healthy because they play golf or do they still play golf because they are active and healthy?

amacachi

Or does the historical profile of golfers tending to be the better off in society and therefore have access to better healthcare and less chance of smoking etc. have something to do with it?

In older age of course golf is better than no activity.

BrianD3

It possibly does, however the study from the Karolinska Institute did consider socioeconomic status.

amacachi

BrianD3 wrote: »

It possibly does, however the study from the Karolinska Institute did consider socioeconomic status.

Fair enough. Just re-read my post and it comes across a bit short.
But yeah, certainly several hours of light activity per week at older ages will be beneficial. Hell even at 21 I feel it after an hour or two on the driving range. The fresh air makes a big difference too, for me at least.

Chet Zar

Golf is relaxing, out in the open air...lots of conviviality, comradery, social interaction...not surprised there are plenty of people in their 80s still around to play golf.