I’ve already walked the pathway to the golf course at Victoria Beach, Manitoba before  I remember why I’ve come, which is for exercise, to clear a cluttered mind, to catch the scents of balsam and spruce needles. Oh and to play golf.

And most of all, to play golf with my sons when they visit. This is by far the greatest golf incentive for me.

Getting Outside Lifts Mood And Self Esteem

Getting outside helps turn our attention outward, toward the world.

Looking at trees disrupts the hamster wheel of the everyday mind.  My incessant mental chatter skips a few beats, quiets, and gives way to balsam-scented elation.

And there is a reason for this. A meta study of 10 UK studies showed that exercise outdoors improves mood and self esteem over the short and long term.  The University of Glasgow results are in my article  Outdoor Exercise 50% Better For Mental Health Than Gym. 

Golf is Moderate Intensity Aerobic Activity

Golf is ranked as moderate intensity aerobic activity.  The golf swing requires physical effort and the walk between shots adds up to an expenditure of energy. Nine holes of golf is usually a 5 to 7 kilometre walk.

I am usually outside for 3 hours. I play anytime except between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun’s rays are most damaging. And when I play I cover up with sun block lotions and clothes. See my links for these at the end of the article.

Golfers Live Average of 5 Years Longer

Swedish study done in 2009 shows that playing golf makes you live 5 years longer. At 65, these extra years matter.

How They Did It

In 2009, researchers in the Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden analyzed a database of 30 thousand Swedish golfers.

They calculated standardized mortality/death ratios (SMR) and grouped for age, sex, and socioeconomic status.

A  mortality/death reduction was observed in men and women, in all age groups, and in all socioeconomic categories.

Incentive To Be On Par

Golfers with the lowest handicap (the most skilled players) had the lowest mortality.

This is exactly what I want to hear. My son, the excellent golfer will live a long and healthy life. And I might too if I play more.

Study Results 

Here is what they came up with:

 “While we cannot conclude with certainty that all the 40% decreased mortality rates are explained by the physical activity associated with playing golf, we conclude that most likely this is part of the explanation. To put the observed mortality reduction in context, it may be noted that a 40% reduction of mortality rates corresponds to an increase in life expectancy of about 5 years.”

So there is some magic in playing outside for a long time.

All That Time Outside and Playing Into Old Age

Many speculate that the results are linked to the social and physical benefits of being outside with others. And golf is something we can play into our old age. It is also an intergenerational game. And that counts too.

Being Near Trees Increases Life Expectancy 

Based on the emerging and solid research about the health benefits of spending time close to trees, it makes sense that hours outside near trees must play a role in increasing life expectancy. See my post Trees Help You To Live Longer. 

So let’s get outside alone and with friends.

Please say it with me

“Healthy Tree, Healthy Me”

Until next time,

Verla

PS Remember your UVB and UVA sunscreen. My dermatologist recommended La Roche Posay. I like this tinted one. I has a hint of colour and gives me a healthy glow. It evens out my skin colour. Sometimes I think I look a little air brushed. Now that is an unexpected lift.

Golf is  good investment in health 

————