Swedish scientists suggest that playing golf adds an extra five years to the life span of individuals who play the game regularly.
According to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, the mortality rate in golfers is 47 percent less than their peers who do not play golf.
Karolinska Institute scientists claim that each round of golf means being outside for four or five hours, brisk walking for six to seven kilometers and burning about 1,000 calories.
The game also helps reduce cholesterol and stress in a leisurely manner. Moreover, individuals can continue playing golf well into their senior years therefore benefiting from the positive social and psychological aspects of the game. Findings revealed that compared to professional players, golfers with blue-collar economic backgrounds have the highest increase in their lifespan.
Scientists concluded that the low-intensity exercise leads to a longer and healthier life by increasing cardiovascular capacity and improving lung capacity and blood flow.
PKH/HGH
© Press TV 2007.
