Do sports played over a lifetime help us live longer?

Liam reminds me smiles lead to
longer lives

Tennis anyone?

 Gretchen Reynolds writing for the NYT health reports on recent studies looking at common sport actives people may do throughout their lives. These sports include "cycling, swimming, running, tennis, soccer and, perhaps unexpectedly, badminton." How do these activities compare with the lifestyle of sedimentary living? The study was done in Denmark, England and Mayo Clinic. It involved 8600 people, in Britain 80,000 men and Mayo Clinic looked at both studies with their own on jogging and racket sports. Information collected over 25 years. 

Before I show you what they reported I think it is fair to think the lifestyle of a person who involves sports that involve social connections that differ from a person who does solitary sports like jogging, swimming, cycling. People who continue a consistent program of fitness will be different from those who are more sedimentary. When somebody becomes sedimentary may be a factor as well. 

For example in my own case walking and sports that I did when I was young gave me benefits I have experienced all my life. Playing tennis and racketball into my 40's and developing the habit of hiking and walking with Barb has helped me in my 50's and 60's. The challenges I now face will determine my 70's and beyond. (Thinking positive here)

The numbers below are compared to those who are sedimentary. 

Sport	Years gained
Cycling	3.7 years
Running	3.2 years
Tennis	9.7 years
Badminton	6.2 years
Soccer	5 years

Do people participating in sports through out life also have more money and resources for health? Is a

Playing for GRSBM 1979

question raised in the article. There may be many reasons connected with these activities that make a difference. The researchers consistently thought social connection may favor team sports. The article ends with the following quote, “Raising your heart rate is important” for health, he says. “But it looks like connecting with other people is, too.”

There are many studies that refer to the benefits of social contacts and health. I played, coached tennis for a long time. Right now I don't see myself returning to the courts. Competitive sports will change as we age. Injuries, joints, and fitness all weigh in for me. I had to change my activities. 

Longevity matters when wee talk about a lifetime. When we get older I think the shift changes to daily living. If you are under 50 I think you can change your life span. Changes we make when we are older matter too. If not why should I take the time to share these things. The shift to day by day has it's value too. "Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts." ps. 90:12 

Does cycling help me today? Will it make tomorrow a little bit better. Can I find and do activities that create interest and movement? The biggest underlying idea for me is can I build new friendships and stimulate old ones? Keep walking

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/05/well/move/the-best-sport-for-a-longer-life-try-tennis.html?action=click&module=Associated&pgtype=Article&region=Footer&contentCollection=Phys%20Ed

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30538-X/fulltext