Retirees today have the perfect excuse to spend more time on the course.
According to researchers, golf is even better for your health than Nordic Walking.
Those over 65 in one study had the greatest heart benefits from walking the green compared to Nordic walking or a regular walk.
All three exercises lowered their blood pressure, but tests showed golf had the best effect on blood sugar and fat levels.
Scientists from the University of Eastern Finland analyzed data from 16 men and nine women who were golfers, healthy and over 65 years of age.
When it comes to heart health, golf is on par with Nordic walking, according to a study
They compared three outdoor aerobic exercises that are popular among older people: an 18-hole round of golf, 6 km of Nordic Walking, and a 6 km of regular walking.
Loved by celebrities such as Clare Balding, Nordic Walking involves people using poles to exercise their upper body, legs and core.
The researchers then measured the effects of each activity on the participants’ blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids.
Blood samples were taken, finger swabs taken and blood pressure measured with cuffs.
Participants also wore fitness trackers to measure distance, duration and pace, as well as an EKG sensor with a chest strap to measure their heart rate.
The results, published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise, revealed All three types of aerobic exercise improved their cardiovascular health, including lowering their blood pressure.
Yet it was golf – despite its “lower intensity” – that offered the greatest benefit, the researchers said.
The group saw the greatest drop in blood lipids and the best Metabolizing glucose to keep blood sugar stable.
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland compared three outdoor aerobic exercises popular with older people: an 18-hole round of golf, 6 km of Nordic Walking and a 6 km walk. They then measured the effects of each activity on the participants’ blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids
The researchers wrote: “These age-appropriate aerobic exercises can be recommended for healthy older adults as health-enhancing physical activity to prevent cardiovascular disease.”
They added that golf can also be used “to improve cardiometabolic health in individuals who already have cardiovascular disease.”
It is estimated that around 14.4 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, or one in three adults.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45 percent of Americans are affected by high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Sindy Jodar, senior heart nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Any amount of physical activity, no matter how long or short, is good for cardiovascular health.
“Current guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, and this can be broken up into short sessions to suit your lifestyle.”
She added: “Exercising later in life – even if you’ve never done much – can still have health benefits.
“If you have heart or circulatory problems, first talk to your doctor about what exercise is right for you.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
