You know that thump of your heartbeat as you draw back your club and take aim at a golf ball? It's not just the thrill of the game that's making your pulse race; it could very well be the secret to a healthier heart. Recent research reveals a surprising connection between the classic sport of golf and improved heart health in seniors. A trip to the golf course might be more than just a delightful pastime - it could be a game changer in your fight against heart disease.
Get a healthier heart in 18 holes
The study, published in the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine journal, found that people aged 65 and older benefited the most from golfing compared to walking and Nordic walking (a full-body workout that involves walking with special poles). In their assessment, the researchers looked at measures of cardiometabolic health, which refers to the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart. An excess amount of blood lipids can cause fat deposits in the artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease. It's widely known that regular exercise can have a positive impact on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
While activities such as golfing and walking are popular and "age-appropriate" types of aerobic exercises for older adults, the former proved more beneficial in the study. Golfing's longer duration and higher energy expenditure had a more positive effect on lipid profile and glucose metabolism, despite it being a lower exercise intensity. In this respect, the sport can be a way for those in their golden years to prevent cardiovascular diseases, while also improving and treating cardiometabolic health for those who have a cardiovascular disease.
Julia Kettinen, the study co-author, says the study is aimed at getting older adults to spend more time on the golf course and play by walking. She says that time on the green can produce healthy outcomes as people play without realising the distance they've covered during the game.
Swing into good health in Meyerton
With over 450 golf courses and 150,000 golfers, South Africans are no strangers to the benefits of the sport and its health appeal. Most local towns and cities have a thriving golfing culture, but few hit as hard as the charming town of Meyerton.
According to Neels Potgieter, Principal Property Practitioner at Century Meyerton, the area has seen an influx of retiring seniors and business people who are semigrating to the area. "Meyerton enjoys easy access, being close to the major R59 highway. The town has a range of amenities, a friendly community, and a relaxed way of life. Meyerton is also well run by a Democratic Alliance-controlled municipality. This is an attraction for property owners as they receive good municipal services for the rates they pay."
However, the golfing community is also a highlight for residents. "The most popular suburb in Meyerton, the aptly named Golf Park, is located next to Meyerton Golf Club. This amenity has a positive impact on local property values and also offers a fantastic outlet for golfers and their families," says Potgieter.
Tee off at Meyerton Golf Club
Meyerton Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course, located just 25 km south of Johannesburg. Designed by Jorrie Jordaan in 1986, the club has since become renowned for boasting one of the best courses in the Vaal Triangle. The four-star rating on Google Reviews highlights its beautifully maintained fairways and greens, friendly staff, and easy-going pace that make it ideal for first-time players or seniors looking for a tranquil round with friends.
The club is a family-oriented establishment, with a halfway house, driving range, car wash, pro shop, and function venue. Recent renovations of existing facilities are cementing the clubhouse as Meyerton's go-to community hub. The regular quiz evenings, lapa braais, and rugby match screenings all bring locals together for good times. The club also hosts its own Meyerton Masters tournament where players compete for the coveted green jacket over two days.
Settle down in lovely Meyerton
As you hit the course at Meyerton Golf Club, you won't be just aiming for a hole-in-one; you're taking a swing at better heart health too. The combination of sport and serenity in this Vaal Triangle town offers an unbeatable lifestyle that few other places can match. With the help of Century 21 Meyerton, you can invest in a home that enriches both your well-being and love for the game. View our properties for sale and get in touch with our local property professionals today.