Compared to other sports, golf may seem like a relaxed activity. You simply need to swing a golf club and hit the ball toward a target. Although it appears more leisurely, experts suggest that golf is a beneficial sport for both physical and mental health, suitable for both young people and older adults.
Benefits of Golf for Health
Golf is often considered a sport that doesn't burn calories and isn't beneficial for physical health. However, according to Healthline, golf is classified as a moderate-intensity sport (a sport that requires a moderate level of effort, raising your heart rate and making you breathe faster, but not exhausting you) that is advantageous for both physical and mental health. It is also frequently recommended for all adult age groups, not just seniors.
Here are some benefits of golf for health:
Enhances strength and endurance
Golf can help improve the strength of your arms and body. You need hand strength and stability to swing the golf club. Additionally, golf involves a lot of walking, which helps build arm strength and develop thigh muscles.
A study revealed that the number of steps a golfer takes on an 18-hole course can reach 10,000 to 17,000 steps in one session, equivalent to walking approximately 8 kilometers.
Promotes cardiovascular health
Research shows that playing golf can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels). People who actively play golf tend to have more stable insulin and fat levels, as well as a healthy balance of fat and muscle. Golf is also recommended for individuals with heart issues and those in stroke rehabilitation (a process of recovery for people who have had a stroke).
Reduces weight and body fat
In golf, you must walk to move from one area to another. The activity of walking while carrying a golf bag and swinging a club is a physical exercise that helps burn calories, aiding in weight loss.
Offers social benefits
Golf is a flexible sport that can be enjoyed alone or with friends. When playing golf, you can meet new people or invite friends to join you. This way, you not only forge new friendships but also have the opportunity to meet others.
Helps reduce stress
Another benefit of golf is its ability to help reduce stress. While playing on a golf course, you can soak up sunlight, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy refreshing views. Interacting with other players can also alleviate stress and anxiety, making you feel better.
Enhances possibilities of longevity
According to WebMD, a study reported that golfers may live up to five years longer than those who do not play golf. Research conducted on 300,000 respondents from Scandinavia showed consistent results across different genders, ages, and socioeconomic statuses.
While golf is often seen as a sport for older adults, it offers a range of benefits for younger adults as well. This sport is good for building endurance, boosting metabolism (the process by which your body converts food into energy), and maintaining an ideal body weight.
Playing golf involves significant physical activity, such as walking and swinging the club with certain strength. If you want to try playing golf, it's advisable to warm up beforehand and seek guidance from a golf instructor.
If you require medical advice or consultation, you can visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading it from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Pandu Lesmana
Hicks, T. (2023). Golf as Exercise: Experts Say Older Adults Can Get Physical, Mental Health Benefits. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/golf-as-exercise-experts-say-older-adults-can-get-physical-mental-health-benefits?
Better Health. Golf - Health Benefits. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/golf-health-benefits
PenGolf. The Benefits of Golf. Available from: https://pengolf.co.uk/information/the-benefits-of-golf
Venkat,S. (2022). Health Benefits of Golf. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/health-benefits-of-golf