The modern game of golf originated in 15th-century Scotland. Today, the leisurely gentleman’s game is enjoyed by people of both genders and all ages worldwide. Golf courses are designed with a variety of challenges and span anywhere from 30 to 200 acres of scenic terrain. This low-impact sport isn’t difficult to learn and offers many benefits to seniors.
1. Motivates Seniors to Spend Time Outdoors
Playing golf outdoors under the sun encourages the body to generate vitamin D, which promotes healthy bone mineralization. Being outdoors surrounded by landscaped beauty also promotes physical and mental relaxation that reduces anxiety and stress. Routinely engaging in a friendly game of golf can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, and other health conditions.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, an at-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
2. Increases Socialization
As the game is typically played with two or more players, golf is a wonderful way to socialize. Meeting at the course provides friends or family members with the chance to enjoy each other’s company and stay in touch between shots. Seniors also often meet other people on the course or in the clubhouse, which creates opportunities to expand their social circles.
3. Encourages Physical Exercise
Seniors who choose to walk around the golf course rather than using carts often walk three to four miles during a single game. Each act of swinging a club and carrying a bag of clubs burns additional calories. Older adults can easily burn up to 1,000 calories per game by declining to use carts and caddies. Players gain cardiovascular benefits by gently increasing their heart rates, which enhances blood circulation. Bending and crouching during game play also strengthens the back and quadricep muscles.
4. Enhances Brain Health
With increased blood flow to the brain, neurons are better equipped to communicate effectively. Healthy brain cells interfere with disease processes that lead to dementia. The hand-eye coordination, strategy, and scorekeeping involved in playing golf boost cognitive function, and meeting or surpassing the challenges of completing a game with the fewest number of strokes bolsters confidence and self-esteem.
5. Boosts Bladder Strength
The bladders of older adults commonly begin losing elasticity, which leads to urinary incontinence. Being out on the golf course strengthens the bladder by extending the time between bathroom trips. The bladder must relearn to hold fluids longer before emptying. The challenge becomes greater when golfers hydrate during play.
If your loved one experiences incontinence, making healthy lifestyle changes may relieve his or her symptoms. To promote your loved one’s overall health, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. For many seniors in Reston, VA, home care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
6. Promotes Sleep
Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine while playing golf provides the body with enough physical activity to expend energy, encourage fatigue, and enjoy restful sleep at night. Seniors who regularly play golf report having less difficulty falling and staying asleep. Nights of sound, restful sleep enable the body to relax and perform necessary cellular repairs.
If you’re unable to accompany your loved one to the golf course, arrange for a dedicated caregiver to provide supervision and companionship. For families living in Reston, home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 703-556-8983.
