The mental and physical benefits of playing golf have been revealed in a new report published by ukactive, England Golf and Mytime Active. Evidence taken from a two-year study suggests the benefits of a ‘Golf on Referral’ programme include improvements in patients’ feelings of life satisfaction, physical activity levels and strength, while also reducing feelings of loneliness.
The study focused on 45 people at risk of chronic conditions who had been referred to improve their overall health by increasing their physical activity and wellbeing. The Golf on Referral pilots were delivered at Mytime Active golf courses between 2017 and 2019, with the selected patients referred for a six-week behaviour change and golf lesson programme.
Researchers also found that grip strength – a strong indicator of vitality in older people – increased significantly over the course of the study, suggesting improvements in muscle strength and therefore reduced risk of falls or disability for patients. The findings showed positive associations between playing golf and the participants’ physical and mental wellbeing, as well as increased social trust and personal wellbeing.
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Posted on 10th July 2020