Heather - thank you for continuing to educate us on what the science says about our health and wellness. So important to understand.
I find if I can tie my movement to things I enjoy I'm more apt to continue without being frustrated as much in many areas of my life outside the movement. A gift that keeps giving if you will.
And play, yes!!, as when we are doing it as adults our level of cortisol levels disappate quite quickly.
Love this! Live longer + enjoy the years on a daily basis more.
I looked further into this Heather( is it ok to call you by this name)?
Do you think tennis may offer more opportunities for extended social engagement. For instance, tennis matches often last longer and may be followed by social activities, enhancing social bonds. Strong social connections have been linked to increased longevity .
You are big on social connections.😄
Tennis matches often have longer durations compared to badminton games, potentially leading to greater cardiovascular benefits over time. The cumulative effect of longer play sessions might contribute to the higher life expectancy gains observed in tennis players. 🤔
Thank you for your post!
We all need to work on our health spans- exercise and nature are my ways.
Hi Mike, Yes - please call me Heather. You also raise a great point about social engagement. Tennis often includes longer matches, club play, and post-game chats—built-in opportunities for connection. That kind of extended interaction isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for the body, too. Strong social ties are consistently linked to better health outcomes and longer lives (as you know, one of my favorite topics!).
And yes—longer bouts of activity likely stack up over time. Those cumulative minutes of movement, especially when enjoyable, can really shift the needle on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Like you, I see exercise and nature as foundational tools for a better health span. I did play badminton in college. Loved it - but also wished I was outside more. And conversations like this only deepen that perspective. Keep in touch. Best, Heather
Heather - thank you for continuing to educate us on what the science says about our health and wellness. So important to understand.
I find if I can tie my movement to things I enjoy I'm more apt to continue without being frustrated as much in many areas of my life outside the movement. A gift that keeps giving if you will.
And play, yes!!, as when we are doing it as adults our level of cortisol levels disappate quite quickly.
Love this! Live longer + enjoy the years on a daily basis more.
Why is tennis linked to a greater increase in life expectancy compared to badminton.
Great question—I wish I knew for sure.
It’s an observational study, so the difference might come down to design, population, or habits.
Tennis didn’t add 9.7 years because it’s tennis.
It added years because people who play it move more, connect more, and keep showing up.
Badminton checks the same boxes—but the study couldn’t fully control for everything.
So no, tennis isn’t magic. The habit is. But I do think that tennis being played outdoors more than badminton is a factor.
I looked further into this Heather( is it ok to call you by this name)?
Do you think tennis may offer more opportunities for extended social engagement. For instance, tennis matches often last longer and may be followed by social activities, enhancing social bonds. Strong social connections have been linked to increased longevity .
You are big on social connections.😄
Tennis matches often have longer durations compared to badminton games, potentially leading to greater cardiovascular benefits over time. The cumulative effect of longer play sessions might contribute to the higher life expectancy gains observed in tennis players. 🤔
Thank you for your post!
We all need to work on our health spans- exercise and nature are my ways.
Mike
Hi Mike, Yes - please call me Heather. You also raise a great point about social engagement. Tennis often includes longer matches, club play, and post-game chats—built-in opportunities for connection. That kind of extended interaction isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for the body, too. Strong social ties are consistently linked to better health outcomes and longer lives (as you know, one of my favorite topics!).
And yes—longer bouts of activity likely stack up over time. Those cumulative minutes of movement, especially when enjoyable, can really shift the needle on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Like you, I see exercise and nature as foundational tools for a better health span. I did play badminton in college. Loved it - but also wished I was outside more. And conversations like this only deepen that perspective. Keep in touch. Best, Heather