Happy National Golf Month!

Staying active as an older adult can help you enjoy a healthier retirement, and there are plenty of senior-friendly sports to enjoy in and around your Independent Living community. At Brandermill Woods, we recognize that golf is an ideal way to increase your step count while enjoying time with friends and loved ones. Let's explore what makes golf great for seniors and how to get the most out of your hobby.

Love for Golf Among Seniors

Golf has an excellent reputation as a senior-friendly sport, and it seems that older adults around the nation agree. According to NPR's Sports and Health in America Report, golf is the most popular sport among males aged 65 and older, with a whopping 44% of sporty senior men enjoying golf more often than any other physical activity. 

Meanwhile, 13% of female sports participants aged 65 and older named golf their most-played sport. Golf is ranked the third most popular sport for active older women, narrowly beaten by swimming (14%) and walking (18%). 

So, why is golf such a treasured hobby for older adults? Some of the reasons seniors say they play golf include:

• Physical, mental, and cognitive health benefits
• Enjoying a sense of friendly competition
• Being part of an inclusive community
• Getting gentle, sociable exercise
• Spending time outside in nature

While many senior golfers enjoy testing their skills in masters' tournaments, you don't have to be a skilled or experienced player to experience its benefits. For many people, golf is the perfect way to spend time with loved ones, top up their vitamin D levels, and stay active without strenuous gym-based exercise. Whether you're a lifelong golfer or a total novice, you'll find a welcoming community and events to suit your ability level at Brandermill Woods. 

Health Benefits of Golfing

The pace of golf may feel relaxing, but research shows that it could be just as beneficial for seniors as more strenuous exercise — provided you walk the course instead of riding a golf buggy. A 2022 study on the benefits of golf determined that it can significantly improve cardiovascular health in older adults by reducing blood pressure and enhancing blood glucose and lipid profiles.  

In fact, the study determined that playing golf improved blood glucose and lipid levels more than regular walking. Golf even performed better than Nordic walking, a high-intensity workout that uses walking poles to exercise your upper and lower body. While these results may sound counterintuitive, the researchers determined that the golfers walked further, took more steps, and expended more energy.

The low-intensity nature of golf, with planned stops and waiting periods, also means participants exercise for longer. Therefore, older adults may find golf a sustainable way to keep active while improving their metabolic health.

Golfing Tips and Techniques

As you get older, you may find that joint issues and other natural signs of aging affect your swing speed and range of motion. However, you can still maintain your performance and enjoy the health and social benefits of golf by making a few basic changes to your technique. The following tips can help you adapt to age-related changes:

• Play the best tee for you. If your driving distance is reduced, playing from the back tees can make golf frustrating. Therefore, it's important to remember that there's nothing wrong with playing from a forward tee if it suits your abilities better. In fact, the PGA operates a "Tee It Forward" campaign to encourage golfers to choose the right tee for their game to keep golf fun and exciting at every level. 
• Flex your arm. While you've probably been told to keep a straight arm while making a shot, this common golfing tip can actually work against seniors. That's because a straight arm can shorten your backswing as you get older, and a short backswing makes it harder to achieve clubhead speed, especially on sand. Therefore, allowing your left arm (or right arm for left-handed players) to bend a little can extend your backswing and improve your speed and power. 
• Focus on core strength. Strengthening your core muscles (the muscles in your back, abdomen, and posterior) helps you maintain balance and power while playing golf. Low-impact exercises like yoga are ideal for toning your core muscles and keeping your body flexible. Alternatively, ask the wellness team at the Brandermill Woods Independent Living community to assist you in creating a core strength program to suit your needs and goals. 
• Invest in the right equipment. Having the right tools on hand can boost your game as an older golfer. Many seniors prefer hybrid clubs because they make it easier to play on challenging surfaces and improve your driving distance and power. While they're not permitted in tournaments, belly putters and broomsticks can help you overcome fine motor control issues when playing for fun. 

Finally, prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is essential for performing your best on the golf course. To maintain health and strength, focus on staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and getting high-quality sleep.

Overview of Brandermill Greens

The Brandermill Woods community is ideally located for access to nearby golfing facilities. At the Brandermill Country Club, you'll find a picturesque 18-hole course just a 7-minute drive from your Independent Living apartment. This course was designed by world-famous golfers Gary Player and Ron Kirby and boasts incredible views of the Swift Creek Reservoir. 

Keen to test your skills in a fun tournament with like-minded seniors? Our community participates in an annual golf tournament at Brandermill Country Club — perfect for enjoying some light-hearted competition or spectating with family and friends.

Discover Golf at Brandermill Woods

At Brandermill Woods, we recognize the power of golf to support an active, happy retirement. Call us today to learn how we assist our community members in enjoying the benefits of golf.