While many people think Walking as a great exercise Experts have found that to stay active as you age, it’s important to: tennis It’s also great for healthy aging.

Americans should do a combination of aerobic and physical activity. strength training Every week.

of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or doubles tennis, each week, and at least two days of strength-building activities, such as weightlifting or yoga.

These recommendations can feel overwhelming, especially as you get older, and some activities become more difficult, but it could be as simple as taking a swing on the tennis court.

Advantages of tennis

a study from Denmark A paper published in December 2018 found that playing tennis can add nearly 10 years to your life expectancy compared to sedentary people. Research shows this is longer than people who play soccer, bike, swim, or jog.

another study from US A paper published in August 2022 found that racquet sports and running, which require between 7.5 hours and less than 15 hours of metabolic equivalent time per week, had a lower risk of death than walking, other aerobic activities, golf, swimming, and cycling.

How tennis helps build physical fitness

According to recent experts, new york times Why tennis is the best training for longevity.

Steven Moore, a metabolic epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute, said changing direction quickly while moving around the court improves balance and reduces the risk of falls.

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for Americans age 65 and older. According to the agency, one in four seniors reports a fall each year.

Moore also said research suggests that playing tennis may improve bone density. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the higher the bone density, the stronger the bones tend to be and the less likely they are to break.

Cognitive and social benefits of tennis

Sports scientist and tennis coach Mark Kovacs said: new york times This means that tennis can also develop cognitive and social skills.

2023 report Data from 148 studies suggests that social connections increase chances of survival by 50%, according to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General. The report also stated that a lack of social connection is as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. One in three older Americans dies from Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, making it more deadly than breast and prostate cancer combined, the association said.

Cognitive engagement is one way that the risk of cognitive decline can be reduced, the association said in a March 2024 fact sheet.