"The Longevity Sport" - Could Holding a Racket Be the Secret?

When people decide to start exercising for their health, they often think of walking, jogging, strength training, going to the gym, or perhaps swimming. However, what is now gaining attention again in international media and on social networks is a somewhat unexpected sport.

That sport is racket sports, including tennis.

The French edition of Grazia introduced racket sports like tennis as a health habit that cancer specialists have highlighted for its potential impact on longevity. At the heart of the article is the striking statistic that "people who play tennis may live an average of 9.7 years longer than those who are more sedentary."

Nearly 10 years.

This number alone sounds almost like a miracle cure. However, if we are to take this as health information, we need to pause. This is not a simple matter of "start playing tennis and anyone can extend their life by 10 years." What the research indicates is a strong correlation between those who have tennis as their main exercise habit and longevity.

Therefore, the important thing is not to jump at the impact of the numbers, but to consider "why sports like tennis are more likely to be associated with longevity."

The basis was a large-scale 25-year follow-up study

The topic stems from a long-term study called the "Copenhagen City Heart Study." The research examined the relationship between various leisure-time exercise habits, mortality risk, and average life expectancy among 8,577 healthy adults.

Participants were followed for up to 25 years, and it was analyzed which sports participants engaged in were associated with a tendency to live longer compared to sedentary individuals.

The results showed that tennis was most strongly associated with increased life expectancy. Compared to sedentary individuals, the increase in average life expectancy was reported as 9.7 years for tennis, 6.2 years for badminton, 4.7 years for soccer, 3.7 years for cycling, 3.4 years for swimming, 3.2 years for jogging, 3.1 years for gymnastic exercises, and 1.5 years for gym workouts.

Of course, there are points to be cautious about here. This study is observational and does not definitively state that "tennis itself extends life." Those who play tennis may inherently have high health awareness, be economically and socially privileged, have rich friendships, and maintain a regular lifestyle, among other possible factors.

Nevertheless, researchers have noted an interesting point. Sports strongly associated with longevity shared a commonality: they are more likely to involve interaction with others or teammates than solitary exercises.

Why is tennis said to be good for health?

Tennis is a sport that uses the entire body more than it appears. Chasing the ball, stopping, turning, hitting, and returning. In this series of movements, cardiovascular function, muscle strength, balance, reflexes, and judgment are simultaneously stimulated.

Unlike exercises like jogging, which involve running at a constant pace, tennis involves repeated short sprints and rests. This has a nature similar to what is known as interval training. Heart rates rise, settle a bit, and rise again. This rhythm may provide beneficial stimulation to cardiovascular function.

Furthermore, tennis involves moving forward, backward, and sideways. Stepping sideways, retreating, running diagonally, twisting the body to hit. These movements, which are not often used in daily life, help train the stability of the ankles, knees, hips, and core. As age increases, the risk of falls significantly impacts health longevity, and exercises like tennis that require balance and reaction are meaningful in this regard.

Additionally, hitting the ball with a racket requires tracking the ball with the eyes, judging timing, and moving the body. This is not just muscle training but an exercise that uses both the brain and body simultaneously. Repeatedly making judgments about the speed of the ball, the opponent's position, one's own position, and the next move can also stimulate cognitive functions.

The real key is not just "exercise" but "connection with people"

The most intriguing aspect of this topic is that it cannot be fully explained by the intensity of tennis exercise alone.

If simply the amount of exercise or heart rate were the only factors affecting longevity, it would not be surprising for high-intensity training at the gym or jogging to rank higher. However, the study highlighted sports like tennis, badminton, and soccer, which involve interaction with opponents or teammates.

This brings to light the power of social connections.

It's easier to continue because you have a commitment with someone. It's fun because there's someone else. More than winning or losing, there are conversations and laughter. Playing tennis once a week becomes a reason to meet people, not just exercise.

When considering healthy life expectancy, loneliness and social isolation are factors that cannot be ignored. Especially after middle age, relationships through work or child-rearing change, and if one does not consciously create opportunities to go out, daily interactions decrease. In such circumstances, having sports companions affects not only physical health but also mental health.

The reason tennis is associated with longevity may lie not only in the exercise of swinging a racket but also in the relationships that make you think, "Let's meet again next week."

Surprise on social media: "Tennis over the gym?"

This topic has also garnered reactions on social media.

A common reaction is surprise that "tennis is more related to longevity than going to the gym." Strength training and running are often touted as the standard for healthy habits. That's why many find it refreshing that recreational sports like tennis and badminton ranked high.

On LinkedIn, there was a post suggesting that a wellbeing strategy might not lie in expensive wearable devices or apps, but in a racket, friends, and a game to look forward to every week. In the context of business people's health management, there is a trend to find value not only in "exercising efficiently" but also in "continuing while connecting with people."

In Reddit's tennis-related community, the topic of "tennis being introduced as the activity that extends life expectancy the most" has been posted in the past. There were not only straightforwardly joyful reactions but also calm views such as "Aren't people who play tennis already leading healthy lifestyles?" and "Could income and living environment also have an impact?"

On Instagram and Facebook, posts promoting racket sports like tennis, pickleball, and badminton as healthy habits can be seen. Meanwhile, some medical accounts caution against focusing solely on numbers, as information about cancer and longevity can easily be exaggerated.

In other words, social media reactions can be broadly divided into three categories.

The first is a positive reaction: "I want to start playing tennis."
The second is a skeptical reaction: "Is it really just the effect of tennis?"
The third is a practical interpretation: "Isn't the important thing to have enjoyable, sustainable exercise and human relationships?"

This third reaction is likely the most important when incorporating this topic into daily life.

Rather than believing "extend life by 10 years" as it is, use it as a hint to change your lifestyle

In health articles, headlines like "Do this to extend your life" or "Prevent disease with this food" are often used. They are effective in attracting readers' interest, but in medical and health topics, overly strong expressions can easily lead to misunderstandings.

The same goes for the tennis topic this time.

Hearing "live 10 years longer with tennis" might make it seem as if tennis itself has magical effects. However, the essence of the research is not there. The important point is that people who have been engaging in activities that involve cardiovascular and muscle use, while enjoying themselves and maintaining social connections over a long period, tend to have health advantages.

It doesn't have to be tennis. It could be badminton, table tennis, pickleball, light soccer, dancing, or a habit of walking with friends. The key is to find an activity that you "want to do again" rather than one you "have to do."

Many people join a gym but don't continue. Some start running but find it lonely and get bored. On the other hand, sports done with someone else are easier to participate in even if you're a bit tired. The purpose is not just the exercise itself, but meeting, laughing, improving, and enjoying the game.

Whether a health habit continues is not determined solely by willpower. It depends on whether you can create an environment that makes you want to continue.

For beginners or middle-aged and older people starting, not overdoing it is the top priority

Even if tennis or racket sports have potential health benefits, it's dangerous to start moving intensely right away. Especially for those starting exercise again after a long time, those with concerns about knees or hips, or those with heart or blood pressure conditions, it's necessary to start cautiously.

Initially, there's no need to focus on match formats. Short rallies, wall hits, light ball feeding, or slow doubles are sufficient. The important thing is to start at an intensity where you're not overly out of breath and where there's no severe pain the next day.

Warm-up exercises are also essential. Tennis involves many sudden direction changes, putting stress on the calves, Achilles tendons, knees, and hips. Before starting, move the ankles, hips, and shoulders well, and warm up slowly for the first 10 minutes. After finishing, do stretching and hydrate.

In terms of frequency, there's no need to aim for three times a week right away. Starting with once a week for 30 to 60 minutes is fine. Once accustomed, you can increase the time and frequency according to your condition.

Also, it's important not to try to supplement everything with racket sports alone. The foundation of health includes daily walking, adequate sleep, nutritional balance, muscle maintenance, and stress management. Consider tennis as one of the "fun habits" to incorporate into that.

For those who are not good at exercise, try turning it into a "fun plan"

People who can't keep up with exercise often think they have weak willpower. However, the real problem might be that they have turned exercise into a "duty."

Running to lose weight. Going to the gym to lower health check numbers. Walking because the doctor said so. Of course, these are important motivations, but duty alone is hard to sustain long-term.

The reason tennis is gaining attention is that it has an element of play. Successfully returning the ball. Continuing a rally. Laughing with friends. Improving a little. These small achievements lead to the next participation.

On social media, there are voices resonating with the view that it's not about "having to exercise for health," but rather "having a plan to look forward to that happens to be exercise." This is a more practical hint than the longevity research numbers.

Health habits are maintained not by determination but by design. Put it on your calendar. Make friends. Keep equipment within reach. Look for local schools or public courts. Join beginner classes. These small systems support future health.

Conclusion: The secret to longevity might be "enjoyable continuity" rather than "solitary effort"

The research result that tennis was associated with an increase in average life expectancy of 9.7 years is certainly impactful. However, if you only focus on that number, you lose sight of the essence.

What truly deserves attention is the multifaceted power of tennis. It stimulates cardiovascular function. It uses muscle strength and balance. It engages the brain. It involves interaction with others. It brings laughter. It allows for commitments. It increases reasons to continue.

What modern people lack is not just the amount of exercise. It's the joy of moving the body, loose connections with people, opportunities to go outside, and habits that make you think, "I want to do this again next week."

For longevity, it might not be the latest health gadgets or a perfect training plan that's needed.

Just holding a racket and hitting a ball with someone.
Such a simple habit can gradually change your future body and mind.

The headline "A Sport That Extends Life by 10 Years" is a bit provocative. However, the message behind it is very simple, realistic, and gentle.

Health is not something to strive for alone; it's something to nurture while enjoying it with someone.

Source URL

・Grazia France "Les cancérologues ont rendu leur verdict : cette simple activité permet de gagner 10 ans d'espérance de vie"
Confirmation of the potential impact of racket sports like tennis on longevity, introduction of Dr. Amit Garg, and practical descriptions of 2-3 times a week for 45-60 minutes.
https://www.grazia.fr/beaute/forme-minceur/les-cancerologues-ont-rendu-leur-verdict-cette-simple-activite-permet-de-gagner-10-ans-desperance-de-vie-1261674.html

・PubMed "Various Leisure-Time Physical Activities Associated With Widely Divergent Life Expectancies: The Copenhagen City Heart Study"
Summary of the Copenhagen City Heart Study. Followed 8,577 people for up to 25 years, confirmed association with increased average life expectancy of 9.7 years for tennis, 6.2 years for badminton, etc., and noted the uncertainty of causality as an observational study.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30193744/

・Mayo Clinic Proceedings "The Copenhagen City Heart Study"
Used to confirm the study's title, authors, and publication information.
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30538-X/abstract

・Tom’s Guide "This 25-year study finds this sport can add 10 years to your life"
General explanation of the study content linking racket sports like tennis and badminton to longevity. Confirmed explanations of tennis's interval nature, stimulation of bones, joints, and balance.
https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/fitness/this-25-year-study-finds-this-sport-can-add-10-years-to-your-life-and-no-its-not-walking-or-swimming

・TIME "Do This Kind of Exercise If You Want to Live Longer, Study Says"
Article introducing the Copenhagen City Heart Study. Used to organize the association between social sports and longevity, characteristics