Sports for Seniors

Just because there are a few gray hairs (under that hair color) doesn't mean that we must sit down in our rocking chairs and quit participating in sports of any kind. Now as we get older, it just makes good sense to avoid any contact sports because our bones break more easily. And we don't need to go out there and take up something strenuous like distance running, because our bodies are older and our hearts are just not as strong as they once were. But still, because some sports are off limits, that doesn't mean that all sports are off limits. There are lots of sports that we can still participate in.

According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), which commissioned a study about the participation of seniors in sports (they want to sell us stuff), it was found that seniors more often participate in:

Recreational Walking: Recreational walking really is a sport, and it is a sport that anyone who can still put one foot in front of the other can participate in. Doctors recommend walking as exercise for senior citizens because it is a low-impact activity. There are walking clubs springing up everywhere for older Americans. Cities are providing safe walking areas for seniors, as well.

Golf: Golf is a sport that many men and women participate actively in well into their 90s. The act of swinging a golf club is excellent exercise, and as long as the golfer can walk from one hole to the next, the exercise is even better. Just think about all that fresh air, sunshine, and companionship!

Fishing: Yes, fishing is a sport that seniors of both sexes participate in. There is great pleasure in getting a hook wet. Freshwater fishing is more popular among seniors than saltwater fishing.

You can still participate in sports! Get out of that rocking chair! Get out there! Enjoy!