Why Golf is a Perfect Tonic for Healthy Ageing

03/12/24 • 50 min

Why Golf is a Perfect Tonic for Healthy Ageing

We know how beneficial sports can be for kids and young adults, but what about for seniors and people with health issues? Research (and anecdotal evidence) is showing the remarkable benefits of participating in sports later in life.

Today, Anthony Blackburn is joined by Dr. Charlie Foster OBE, a Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health at University of Oxford and University of Bristol, as well as the Head of Population Health at Vhi. For several years, Dr. Foster has been researching the benefits of physical activity and the cost of inactivity for both individuals and global public health.

Tune in to Episode 8 of The Golf in Society Podcast to learn how sports, and particularly golf, are helping to solve the inactivity crisis and give ageing populations a new lease on life. Together, Anthony and Dr. Foster shine light on what can truly be achieved when we create the space, accessibility, and community for physical activity.

You’ll learn how golf improves cognitive and mental health, social health, and overall quality of life. Dr. Foster also talks about how we can overcome the barriers to physical activity we might encounter later in life, like disease or lack of community.

Plus, Dr. Foster highlights an easy tip for improving your neuroplasticity while improving your golf skills. Then, Anthony gives insight into the next phase of our latest research project on reimagining golf clubs as health hubs.

“Being active, it doesn’t matter whether you’re digging in your garden or putting on a putting green, everything you do will improve the quality of your life.” – Dr. Charlie Foster

Episode Timeline:

00:06 – Introducing Dr. Charlie Foster

03:12 – The inactivity crisis & Statistics on the cost of inactivity

05:36 – The health benefits of sports like golf

07:29 – Golf and brain health

14:39 – How golf supports people through life transitions and health issues

19:49 – Our latest research project: Reimagining golf clubs as health clubs

24:13 – How to stay active as you age, even through health issues

29:55 – Barriers to growing Golf in Society

37:56 – The future of healthy ageing: How where we live impacts our health.

41:45 – Can Golf in Society serve people with multiple morbidities?

46:59 – Tips for health professionals, policymakers, & innovators working for aging populations.

“You can’t bank your fitness. You have to go and use it every day or you lose it.”

– Dr. Charlie Foster

Thank you for listening to The Golf in Society Podcast!
Want to learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Resources Mentioned:

UKRI’s Healthy Ageing Conference

Connect With Us:

Charlie Foster on LinkedIn

Anthony Blackburn on LinkedIn
Stay up-to-date with our latest news by f

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
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Why Golf is a Perfect Tonic for Healthy Ageing

“Being active, it doesn’t matter whether you’re digging in your garden or putting on a putting green, everything you do will improve the quality of your life.” – Dr. Charlie Foster

Episode Timeline:

00:06 – Introducing Dr. Charlie Foster

03:12 – The inactivity crisis & Statistics on the cost of inactivity

05:36 – The health benefits of sports like golf

07:29 – Golf and brain health

14:39 – How golf supports people through life transitions and health issues

19:49 – Our latest research project: Reimagining golf clubs as health clubs

24:13 – How to stay active as you age, even through health issues

29:55 – Barriers to growing Golf in Society

37:56 – The future of healthy ageing: How where we live impacts our health.

41:45 – Can Golf in Society serve people with multiple morbidities?

46:59 – Tips for health professionals, policymakers, & innovators working for aging populations.

“You can’t bank your fitness. You have to go and use it every day or you lose it.”

– Dr. Charlie Foster

Thank you for listening to The Golf in Society Podcast!
Want to learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Resources Mentioned:

UKRI’s Healthy Ageing Conference

Connect With Us:

Charlie Foster on LinkedIn

Anthony Blackburn on LinkedIn
Stay up-to-date with our latest news by f

Previous Episode

The Importance of Co Designing Healthy Ageing Services

Welcome to episode 7 of The Golf in Society Podcast! Join host Anthony Blackburn as he sits down with Katheryn Woolf, an expert in service design from Made Open. In this episode, they dive into the fascinating world of co-designing services and products with the input of end users and stakeholders.
Anthony and Katheryn emphasise the importance of listening and learning from the very people who will be interacting with these services and products. They explore how involving stakeholders throughout the entire design process can lead to more successful outcomes and better overall user experiences.
Discover the power of finding common goals among stakeholders and the value of collaboration in creating innovative solutions. Katheryn shares insights from her expertise in service design, shedding light on the process of reimagining golf clubs as health hubs. Learn how this transformation can positively impact the our ageing community and promote health and well-being.
Whether you're a social entrepreneur , a service designer, or simply curious about the the process of service design, this episode is filled with thought-provoking discussions and valuable insights. Tune in to The Golf in Society Podcast episode 7 as Anthony Blackburn and Katheryn Woolf explore the importance of co-design, stakeholder involvement, and the exciting journey of reimagining golf clubs for the benefit of all.

Next Episode

Golden Years: Enhancing Life in Care Homes

In this episode, Anthony sits down with three passionate guests to explore the vital topic of healthy ageing in residential care homes. Sharon Lewis, Activity Coordinator at Hazel Grove Care Home; Samantha McCormick, Activity Coordinator at The Gables Care Home Hill Care; and Jules, Activity Support from the Hill Care Group, share their insights and experiences recorded at Hazel Grove Care Home in Saltburn.
They discuss the joy and inclusivity of golf sessions for residents, emphasizing that everyone can participate, regardless of mobility or cognitive issues. The conversation highlights Hill Care's dedication to keeping residents happy and active, supporting the idea that "care homes are God's living room."
Discover how meaningful activities boost wellbeing, build confidence, and help residents find purpose and meaning in their lives. This episode offers a heartwarming and informative look at the creative ways care homes enhance the lives of their residents, fostering a vibrant and supportive community. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of engagement and the positive impact of thoughtful care.