Another sport helps the elderly prolong life and support the cardiovascular system

Tennis is a fast-paced sport that offers many physical, mental and longevity benefits. It is also a sport you can continue playing into old age.

Below are 5 health benefits of playing tennis regularly, according to Verywell Health (USA).

Live longer

This sport can help you live longer. A long-term observational study found that regular tennis players lived nearly a decade longer than sedentary people.

Playing tennis regularly helps you live longer

Photo: AI

In addition, sports such as jogging, cycling, swimming, badminton, soccer... also help increase longevity.

“The interactions and relationships that come from playing tennis regularly can help improve quality of life. This is especially true for older adults, who can help maintain social connections,” said Dr. James N. Gladstone, chief of sports medicine at Mount Sinai Health System.

Improve musculoskeletal system

Weak musculoskeletal systems can lead to back pain, limited mobility, osteoporosis, and even fractures. Playing tennis or other weight-bearing exercises can help strengthen your musculoskeletal system and improve bone density.

According to Dr. Ryan Rauck, Ohio State University (USA), tennis also helps reduce the risk of falling by improving flexibility and balance.

A 2020 study of 90 adults found that those who maintained a tennis playing habit had better musculoskeletal function in both upper and lower limbs, and superior hand strength, compared to the group that only exercised but did not regularly play this sport.

Improve mental health

A recent study found that tennis helps college students reduce symptoms of depression and strengthen social relationships. Participating in sports , especially team sports like tennis , has many benefits for mental health.

Dr. Alan Beyer, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, California (USA), shared: “Whenever you participate in any activity or sport with the community, the social factor is always a big plus besides physical exercise. Because loneliness and social isolation are real health issues that need more attention, especially when you are old.”

Cardiovascular support

Tennis is a form of aerobic exercise, which helps improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

“ Tennis requires both high-intensity exercise and endurance, which is great for the heart, lungs and the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells,” says Dr. Gladstone.

A 2022 study also found that tennis helps postmenopausal women reduce the risk of endothelial dysfunction - a factor linked to the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Warming up and stretching before and after playing tennis is very important.

Photo: AI

Enhance memory and cognitive ability

Tennis can improve reaction time and cognitive function, even better than some sports like swimming, cycling or weight training. A 2022 study found that children who played tennis for more than a year had better memory and flexible thinking skills.

Dr. Gladstone commented: “In middle age and old age, skills such as flexible problem-solving and decision-making while playing tennis not only help train thinking, but can also be applied to work and daily life.”

How to start playing tennis safely?

Like any other sport, tennis carries the risk of injury. Therefore, it is important to warm up and stretch before and after playing.

“Anytime you're sprinting, holding a racket, and pivoting, the risk of injury is higher,” notes Dr. Beyer.

Beginners should choose a racket that suits their age, fitness level and skill level, and find a partner of similar skill level to minimize possible risks or injuries.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/them-mot-bo-mon-giup-nguoi-lon-tuoi-keo-dai-tuoi-tho-ho-tro-tim-mach-185250902160048038.htm