Why bowling can lead to a longer life
Post date: Sep 28, 2017 10:37:53 AM
Bowls coaches at Stamford IBC looking to accept a new influx of players. From the left: Peter Cox, John Little (head coach), Helen Holroyd, John Pearson, Pauline Dixon, Keith Rippin and Neil Handley (picture by Alan Romaine).
ACCORDING to a new survey, middle-aged men who play sport are upto five times more likely to keep fit and active into their late 70s than those who don't, writes press officer Bob Warters.
Researchers revealed that many men changed the type of activity they preferred as they got older, taking up gentler activities such as recreational walking and bowls once they hit retirement age.
With this in mind, Stamford Indoor Bowls Club has a team of coaches standing by to encourage a new influx of bowlers - both men and women - many of whom they aim to convert from playing the more physical demands of football, tennis, badminton and golf, revealing just how competitive it can be when other more physical sports wane.
Introductory and advanced coaching sessions (£3) are available every Saturday morning (from 9.30-noon) at the club's Exeter Gardens arena, where equipment is provided free of charge.
Lead author of the survey Daniel Aggio from University College London said: "People's enjoyment of sport maybe more likely to perish into old age than preferences for other types of activity. Sport (such as bowls) may help maintain physical function and physical activity in later life."
Researchers tracked the behaviour of nearly 3,000 men aged 40-59, following up after 12,16 and 20 years.
While the research only considered men, the attraction of bowls to women has been found to be more appealing among those seeking companionship as well as competitiveness and as an antidote to potential loneliness.
Dr Mike Knapton of the British Heart Foundation said:"This UCL survey (published in the online journal BMJ Open) should encourage everyone to build physical activity into their weekly routines whether that is through walking, DIY, gardening or sport. By maintaining physical activity throughout your life, chances are that you will enjoy an active retirement."
For further information about bowls coaching call 01780 756452 (between 9.30 am and 8.30pm) or visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk