Golfers Live Longer

DavidB · 09-28-08, 11:03

I'm not a golfer; I've never made the time for any sport that takes nearly half a day to play a single round. However, a recent study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science might have me change my mind. They found that the death rate for golfers is 40 percent lower than that of other people of the same sex, age and economic status. This corresponds to a five year increase in life expectancy, say the study authors. They credited the life extending effect to the fact that golfers are outside for hours at a time, walk about for miles and are engaged in a stress-reducing social activity. That all sounds good to me... the only thing I have to worry about is skin cancer from that much sun exposure.

Holden_C04 · 09-28-08, 11:08

It's not surprising. Golf is a very relaxing activity. A great way to de-stress. I play a little bit here and there.

BAKER · 09-28-08, 11:31

Married men live longer too, but they pray for death.

percynjpn · 09-28-08, 06:36

I used to play when I was in high school and university; I can see how it probably has health benefits, but I def. don't find it "stress-reducing"; hitting two balls in a row into the pond or slicing the ball into the woods had the opposite effect on me - that's why I gave it up!

PaintPolisher · 09-29-08, 07:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

I'm not a golfer; ... They credited the life extending effect to the fact that golfers are outside for hours at a time, walk about for miles and are engaged in a stress-reducing social activity. That all sounds good to me... the only thing I have to worry about is skin cancer from that much sun exposure.

DavidB - I am a red head with fair skin, blue eyes, freckles, with no hair on the coconut makes being outdoors a challenge that I have overcome. When I am out enjoying the beautiful landscaping while attempting to strike a ball with a stick I use Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF30 protecting all exposed skin and wearing a straw Stetson protects the head, ears and neck area keeping me cool.

al

DavidB · 09-30-08, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaintPolisher

DavidB - I am a red head with fair skin, blue eyes, freckles... al

Me, too, Al, but I still have hair on the ole Q-ball. I find that I can stay out all day with a good SPF 40-50, as long as I also wear a hat.

MSOsr · 09-30-08, 12:22

I don't know about the health benefits of RIDING in a cart and having a cocktail or two while playing........but I am relaxed when I finish.

Mike

RDAVEX7 · 10-01-08, 11:10

Golf cart + beer + nutty drunk guys = my insane phone vidoes

Watching a 350 lb drunk guy roll a golf cart in front of you is halarious. Then watching him roll it back over and try to drive off is even funnier.

I always thought golf was lame until I tried it and I have to say I like it now. I dont golf much but I do hit the range from time to time and play a few tournaments every year.

pwaug · 10-02-08, 01:40

Read an article a few months ago that walking 18 holes either carrying your bag or with a push cart gives about the same healthful workout as 45 minutes on a treadmill at moderate speed. Also saw an article in Golf or Golf Digest magazine which recommended that all golfers (regardless of skin type or hair color) should really see a dermatologist once a year for a check up if you are playing two or more rounds per week.

DrB300SE · 11-22-08, 05:00

Golf, a stress-reducing activity?

It's the most frustrating game I have ever played. I guess some anger management comes from throwing a few clubs into the local water hazard. Golf is know as "A good walk spoiled". Some corporations use the links to screen potential executives to determine how they react to stress. Unfortunately the tee has not been invented yet that we can silently slice our wrists with! But I love the game!