‘Now that you can pursue your hobby.’ Well, you may have heard that many times, but do you have a plan on how you wish to spend your retirement? If you don’t, we might have a solution for you. You could use your time to play golf!
Well, golf might seem too common to try, but don’t let it slide because of that. Golf is one of the most timeless games ever, and it comes with multiple benefits. Besides having many social benefits, golf has many health benefits too! While it might not give you an adrenaline rush like most sports, it does let you have loads of fun! And that’s not all. There’s more to this sport. Read on to explore some of the benefits of golf.
Encourages Physical Activity
While you play golf, you also have to walk a lot. A golfer may walk at least 4 miles to cover 18 holes of golf! This is undoubtedly one of the best exercises ever. You can burn as many as 1400 calories if you walk 18 holes. And if you decide to ride in a cart, you might still burn at least 850 calories. Not just the cardio aspect of it, walking the entire course can improve your muscle strength and boost endurance. If you can’t cover 18 holes on a day, begin with nine holes only. It also helps strengthen your core, besides working your chest, back, forearms, and back. Golf is the full-body workout you had ignored all along.
Boosts Mental Acumen
Golf isn’t only about aiming to put the ball into the hole, but it is also about putting the brain cells to good use. That’s because you have to do mental calculations such as finding out about the ball location, green speeds, grass depth, wind direction, slope, and much more. It also helps in strengthening your mind. When you retire, you are likely to take a break from strategic thinking. However, golf could train your brain to work to its fullest all over again!
Increases Endorphins
Golf releases the much-needed endorphins or feel-good hormones that can help boost your brain and improve your well-being. So, it is one of the ultimate stress-busters. Not only that, but it also helps you to get greater control over your emotions, teaches you to be patient, and improves your overall mental well-being. Also, when you exercise without meaning to exercise, you don’t consider it a chore, and hence you are more likely to stick with something like that.
For example, walking on a treadmill every day may seem like a chore, not so with golf after a point in time. With golf, you get to spend a day amidst greenery and nature, and of course, you get to soak up the sun for that much-needed boost of vitamin D. This is the vitamin that helps bolster your mood and makes your bones stronger, the two things you need when you get older.
Promotes Networking
Many people play the game to get the competitive thrill out of it and win competitions. However, some play golf to relax and unwind. Whatever be your reason, you are sure to find people with similar passion and approaches to the game. And that would enhance your social circle, which is something people miss the most after retirement.
Builds Interpersonal Skills
Aging is tough as people grapple with not working, not socializing enough, and generally getting used to the next phase of life. Also, it may prove hard to stay connected with friends. Golf allows you to bond with your buddies over a sport you like. It offers you mental stimulation and solace to fall back upon when you want a break from the same old humdrum life. When you socialize and meet with friends, it can help you stay happy and healthy through your retirement years. In other words, golf lets you indulge in an activity you enjoy while spending time with people whom you love.
Numerous organizations worldwide offer golf coaching and care to the elderly. And you could sign up with one of those organizations to learn the sport and spend your retirement years, even if you’ve never touched a club all your life! Isn’t that interesting? So, what are you waiting for? Look up the golf training facilities in your region and sign up now!