How much do you know about the benefits of golf flexibility exercises for seniors? This sport is the best choice for the elderly and can prevent them from developing Alzheimer’s; it also boosts their morale and increases their mental health. Studies conducted in collaboration with the English Golf Federation and the University of Sheffield have shown that playing golf regularly reduces the risk of dementia in middle-aged and elderly people.
Like activities for bedridden patients, golf also has many benefits for the elderly and is very beneficial for them both physically and mentally. According to the BBC, studies conducted on the benefits of golf have shown that regularly playing this sport can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 30% in people over 55. Also, patients suffering from this problem can also find better conditions by playing golf. In the continuation of this article from humanhealthmag, we want to talk in detail about the benefits of golf for the elderly.
Golf Prevent Dementia!
As we said in golf swing exercises for seniors, golf has both physical and mental benefits for older people. Studies have shown that playing golf reduces the risk of dementia in middle-aged and elderly people. Golf can also increase body coordination and stimulate parts of the brain. This sport is also enjoyable for middle-aged and elderly people and improves their mood. Patients who have experienced golf believe that playing golf and connecting with others in this sport has helped improve their conditions a lot.
In addition, golf is a great exercise for moving your joints. In movements like swinging the club, a wide range of muscles and joints are involved. These movements activate your blood circulation. As a result, the heart works in the best way and makes more muscles.
Benefits Of Golf Flexibility Exercises for Seniors
This may come as a surprise to many of you, but golf is a great pastime for your body. It is one of the most popular sports worldwide, especially among seniors who are in retirement. Here are some of the benefits of golf flexibility exercises for seniors:
- Golf burns extra calories: A game of golf is played on a large course, with 19 holes in five or six miles! Depending on the style of the course and the amount of equipment you carry while playing, a game of golf can result in a calorie burn of between 1,500 and 2,000.
- Golf is a full-body workout: It may come as a shock, but in a complete game, golf is a full-body workout, as it strengthens the muscles of the arms, legs, abs, and shoulders.
- Low-risk exercise: Although you get a good workout playing golf, it is considered a leisure sport. There is no contact and you are not moving at high speed, which means that there is very little risk of injury. It also does not put much pressure on your joints. As a result, it is a great sport for older people who may struggle with knee pain or arthritis. Golf is also considered a recovery game.
- Stress reduction: Golf is a sport that is played outdoors, often on large courses with beautiful scenery. This means that as a golfer, you can enjoy most of the mental and physical benefits of the sport. The increased vitamin D levels from the sun also lead to bone growth and strengthen the heart.
- Good for the brain and vision: Playing golf is essentially a light and excellent exercise. In the first stage, this exercise increases blood flow to the brain and improves the communication of your nerve cells. In the long run, this can help fight dementia. Your brain also gets its own workout as you try to challenge yourself to beat your friends. You have to measure your next shot before each turn. You are also constantly using eye-brain coordination as you spin and hit the little white ball.
Golf Is A Very Suitable Sport for the Health of Elderly
According to the benefits of golf flexibility exercises for seniors, golf increases physical flexibility in the elderly. This also helps to increase the balance of these people. Golf does not have a referee and the athletes are responsible for judging. This has caused people to observe the principles of morality, courtesy and mutual respect. It has also strengthened the sense of trust and confidence in the elderly.
The competition style in golf is not face to face. In other words, in golf, players are not against each other, but together and each person strives solely to increase their own ability. In fact, opponents are tested by the criteria of personal ability and increasing skill, not by overcoming others. In fact, golf is considered a family sport and all family members can play golf without any restrictions.
The Simplest Golf Flexibility Exercises for Seniors
In this section, we introduce some golf flexibility exercises for seniors. Note that golf stretching exercises stimulate the nervous systems and thus increase the body’s strength. The most important stretching and flexibility movements for golf are:
Arm Swing
Stand up straight. Extend your arms diagonally toward the ceiling. Open your palms and thumbs up. Lower your arms diagonally toward the floor. Move your arms in this order. Gradually increase your speed.
Squats
Spread your legs as far apart as is comfortable. Extend your arms forward. Sit and stand up. As if you were sitting in a chair. Try not to let your knees go any further than your toes. Use your hands for balance. Repeat this movement 20 times.
Leg Swing
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step your left leg forward and then back as far as you can. Try to repeat this movement eight times. Repeat this movement on each leg. Then move your legs to the sides. Place your hands on your hips for balance. Repeat the side-to-side movement eight times for each leg.
Quick rotation
Keep your arms, legs, and spine in a normal, straight position. Place your left hand behind your head. Then rotate your elbow toward the ceiling and your head toward the ceiling, looking up to increase the rotation. Then rotate your elbow down and your other knee, and return to the starting position. Repeat this full rotation 10 times.
Lunge and shoulder rotation
Place one leg forward and the other back. First, shift your weight onto your back leg. Place your left hand down and hold your right hand at a 90-degree angle. Then shift your weight from your back leg to your front leg, switch hands, and move your hands. Return to the starting position. Repeat this movement 20 times.
Concluding Remarks
In this article, we have introduced some types of golf flexibility exercises for seniors. In general, golf is a sport similar to walking. An 18-hole round of golf usually takes about four hours, and players may walk up to 10 kilometers during a game. As a result, golfers burn more calories, which has a greater impact on cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Playing golf is also a good form of exercise for health and can be a means of preventing cardiovascular disease for older people. In addition, it is also beneficial for those who already suffer from heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Seniors Need A Hobby Like Golf?
Usually, the reaction of most seniors at this time is fatigue and depression. Because they have much less to do and more free time. But to prevent this restlessness, sports like golf can be done.
What Is the Best Time To Exercise for the Elderly?
Sports activities for elderly people should be done at a specific time. According to doctors, the best time for elderly people to do sports is between early morning and evening. It is very important to have a proper plan for elderly people.