Living The Golf Life

There’s a bright side to all those hours people spend playing golf — it can help you stick around longer. The popular pastime has been shown to have notable health benefits, including longevity, brain power and heart health.

A study by researchers at the Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institute found that playing golf regularly could lower a senior adult’s risk of premature death. Their findings echo a 2016 study from Edinburgh University that found golf had physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages, and that golf players could add up to five years to their life when compared to non-golfers.

What’s the secret? “Golf is an endurance activity that utilizes multiple muscle groups and areas of the body. A round of golf also challenges both strength and cardiovascular health,” says Kate DeMasi, a Health Educator at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Wellness Center.

A game of golf involves:

• Light walking, even if you use a cart

• Carrying clubs and using motor skills to play

• Social interaction

• Being outside, under the sun, and in a pleasant green space

• The fun of competition, which helps make golf not feel like exercise

Plus, the game of golf can be enjoyed into the golden years, unlike many other sports. Regular exercise, exposure to a less polluted environment, stress relief, relaxation and the social interaction provided by golf are all great health benefits. The sport has also been said to boost brain power.

But what if golf isn’t for you? “Try to discover what activity is fun for you,” DeMasi says. “If you enjoy what you are doing, you’ll continue to practice it. You will turn a fun experience into a regular routine of physical activity each each of your days”.

The Landings Golf & Athletic Club is one of the best private residential golf communities in Georgia. Discover our six championship caliber golf courses, all within one cart ride. One round of golf for two people is included when you make a Discovery Visit to The Landings. See you on the links!