When it comes to living longer, many people think about diet, supplements, and sleep, which are all very important elements for longevity. But did you know that playing certain sports can also add years to your life?
That’s true, sports do more than just keep us in shape, they also challenge our bodies, make our minds strong, and often connect us with a community. Recent research shows that some sports, more than others, could actually add years to your life. Here, we explore five of the top sports that have been linked to a longer lifespan and discuss why they’re so effective.
- Soccer
Soccer is a team sport loved by many around the world, and it’s more than just a game, it can also boost longevity. Research has shown that people who play soccer benefit from cardiovascular and muscular workouts, together with the social engagement that is typical of team sports.
The Longevity Benefit: Soccer combines aerobic exercise with high-intensity bursts, helping improve cardiovascular health, stamina, and coordination. The teamwork aspect helps build social bonds, which can have a positive effect on both mental and physical health. Playing soccer helps develop strong muscles, improves balance, and builds endurance, making it a great way to stay fit.
Why It Works: Soccer keeps you on your toes, with continuous running, changing direction, and quick thinking. This combination helps improve not just your physical condition but also your brain health. The social aspect of being part of a team can help you feel more connected, which is linked to better overall well-being.
- Cycling
Cycling is a fun, accessible sport that can be done solo or in groups. Studies, including those published by Harvard Medical School, have shown that simply cycling to work can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, improve lung function, and boost mental health.
The Longevity Benefit: Cycling is very effective to keep fit while enjoying the outdoors. Regular cycling helps maintain good cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles (especially in the lower body), and improves overall balance and coordination.
Why It Works: Cycling is great for keeping your heart healthy, managing weight, and improving muscle strength. It’s also a weight-bearing exercise, which means it’s gentler on the joints compared to running. Plus, cycling outdoors can be a huge mood booster and reduce feelings of stress.
- Swimming
Swimming is often called the perfect exercise, and for good reason. It’s a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints and can be adjusted to suit any fitness level. Studies also found that swimming can decrease the risk of death by an impressive 53% compared to non-swimmers.
The Longevity Benefit: Swimming keeps the heart and lungs in great shape while also helping build muscle strength. Water's resistance forces your muscles to work harder than they would on land, and since it's a non-weight-bearing activity, it's perfect for people with arthritis or joint pain. This means swimming can be a lifelong exercise that can be continued well into older age.
Why It Works: Regular swimming sessions improve cardiovascular fitness, tone muscles, and help manage weight, all key factors for a longer life. Plus, it’s often a relaxing activity that helps reduce stress and improve mental health.
- Badminton
Badminton may not always come to mind when thinking about sports that extend your life, but this fast-paced game can literally add years to your life… Yes, that’s true, because Badminton was found to increase life expectancy by 6.2 years compared to those who don’t participate in physical activity.
The Longevity Benefit: Badminton is a mix of cardio and agility, keeping your heart rate up while also being kind to your joints. The game’s social nature also adds an extra layer of benefit. It’s also easy to pick up for beginners, making it an accessible option for those looking to stay active without diving into anything too intense.
Why It Works: By playing badminton, you’re getting a solid aerobic workout while also building strength and flexibility. It helps improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance, which are all essential for healthy ageing.
- Tennis
The Gold medal goes to tennis, which consistently ranks as one of the best sports for extending lifespan. The Copenhagen City Heart Study even showed that playing it can add up to 9.7 years to your life. That’s almost a decade! But why is tennis so beneficial?
The Longevity Benefit: Tennis offers an ideal mix of physical activity and social engagement. On the physical side, it involves quick movements, constant motion, and hand-eye coordination, giving your heart, muscles, and brain a solid workout. It’s also played in pairs or groups, providing a valuable social aspect. Social connection is often underestimated when it comes to health, but staying socially active is a major factor in reducing stress and maintaining mental wellness, both of which contribute to a longer life.
Why It Works: Tennis players often experience a “HIIT” effect (high-intensity interval training) due to the constant stopping, starting, and sprinting during a match. This type of exercise is excellent for heart health and boosting metabolism.
Other Ways to Boost Longevity
As we’ve seen, staying active means a lot, but it could not be enough to cover all of your body’s needs for longevity and well-being. That’s why it’s important to think about a more holistic approach to health that includes other elements, like:
Food: A balanced diet filled with colourful fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats is the foundation for longevity.
Supplementation: Even with a great diet, it’s not always easy to get every nutrient you need, especially as our bodies change with age. That’s why choosing the right supplements is important. One supplement getting a lot of attention for its longevity potential is NMN, which is known for its potential to boost energy, improve metabolism, and help slow down the ageing process.
Curious about NMN? Simply Nootropics NMN is worth checking out. It’s designed to help you stay on top of your game, no matter what sport you choose to keep you moving.
