World Health Day: Tennis – the sport for life
To mark World Health Day, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) is emphasising the health advantages of playing tennis. It underscores tennis not only as a sport that enhances physical fitness but also as one that significantly extends life expectancy.
Published research indicates that engaging in tennis is associated with remarkable improvements for longer life and a significant decrease in mortality due to cardiovascular disease.
The World Health Organisation indicates that adults between the ages of 18 – 64 years, should engage in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity, with tennis emerging as a standout choice for its remarkable health outcomes.
In comparison to other forms of physical exercise such as running, tennis has been shown to add 9.7 years to life expectancy. This finding underscores the unique advantages that tennis offers in terms of promoting longevity, also aligning with the overarching message of the ITF’s Masters tour.
Moreover, the benefits of tennis extend beyond mere longevity. Studies reveal that participation in racket sports, including tennis, badminton and squash, significantly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 47% and cardiovascular disease mortality by 59%.
Furthermore, tennis has been proven to be an effective tool in combating mental health issues, including strong links to cognitive and brain health. Regular engagement in tennis activities has been associated with a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as enhancement of overall well-being, particularly among young individuals.
The health benefits of tennis are not limited to any specific age group. From youth to old age, tennis offers a multitude of advantages, including improved aerobic fitness, a leaner body composition, better lipid profiles, enhanced bone health, and a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Stuart Miller, Senior Executive Director for Integrity and Legal and Science & Technical said: “As part of its support of World Health Day, the ITF recognises the positive impact that sport can have on general health. Tennis is truly a sport for life, as demonstrated not only by the demand for, and organisation of, competitions by the ITF for players aged 90 and over, but also by independent research that tennis - compared to other mainstream sports - provides the greatest improvement of life expectancy."
It is evident that tennis stands as a beacon of health and vitality. Its ability to enhance physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall quality of life underscores its significance as a sport that transcends boundaries and promotes health across all ages. On this World Health Day, we celebrate tennis not only as a game of skill and strategy but also as a powerful sport to promote a healthier, happier world.