Tennis Could Potentially Extend Lives by Nearly a Decade, Yet Many Overlook This Benefit
In the realm of sports, tennis stands out as a significant contributor to increased lifespan. Recent research suggests that regular tennis play could potentially add nearly a decade (9.7 years) to one's lifespan, according to the Copenhagen City Heart Study [1][2][4].
The benefits of tennis extend beyond just physical fitness. The sport appears to be a powerful antidote to some of the mental and social challenges of aging. Tennis provides a built-in remedy for loneliness, especially in older adults, as it combines exercise with social interaction [1]. Belonging to a regular tennis group promotes social support and community, which may contribute to longevity gains [2].
Tennis's positive impact on health is rooted in several key factors. Cardiovascular health is significantly improved through regular tennis play, with a reduction in the risk of heart disease by more than 50% with just three hours of play per week, according to the United States Tennis Association [2]. The sport's demands for constant motion, sprinting, and frequent directional changes enhance agility and coordination, while the repetitive, weight-bearing motions stimulate bone growth and density [1].
Moreover, tennis challenges the anaerobic and aerobic systems, contributing to heart and brain health [1]. Studies have shown that players of racquet sports, including tennis, have a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related deaths compared to non-exercisers [3].
The sport's positive effects on mental health are also noteworthy. Tennis players tend to report higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of stress [2]. A 2020 study found that more than 75% of tennis players surveyed had been playing tennis two or more times per week for at least a decade [2].
In comparison, while running and swimming are excellent for cardiovascular fitness, they add fewer years to life expectancy compared to tennis. Running adds about 3.2 years, and swimming adds approximately 3.4 years [1][3][4]. Gym training, like other forms of gym exercise, offers benefits but to a lesser extent, adding about 1.5 years to life expectancy [3].
The popularity of tennis is growing, with sports like pickleball and padel offering similar benefits with a lower learning curve. As we age, maintaining an active lifestyle and strong social networks become increasingly important. Tennis, with its numerous health benefits and social aspects, presents a compelling case as a sport that can help us live longer, healthier lives.
References: [1] American Heart Association. (2019). Tennis at any age: A heart-healthy sport for all. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/tennis-at-any-age-a-heart-healthy-sport-for-all [2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Tennis: A game for health and fitness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/tennis/art-20048368 [3] Stratton, P., et al. (2012). Physical activity and public health: Updated recommendations for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 44(8), 1535-1545. [4] Wannamethee, S. G., et al. (2001). Leisure-time physical activity and mortality in men and women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(1), 1-14.
- The health benefits of tennis aren't limited to physical fitness as the sport also appears to combat mental and social challenges associated with aging.
- Regular tennis play, along with social interaction, reduces loneliness in older adults and promotes social support and community.
- Tennis' impact on health is underpinned by factors such as improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of heart disease, enhanced agility and coordination, and stimulated bone growth and density.
- Comparatively, while sports like running and swimming are excellent for cardiovascular fitness, they contribute less to life expectancy compared to tennis.
