Retirement offers plentiful opportunities to engage in your favorite hobbies and discover new ones. This is even better when the activities come with added benefits, such as socialization, physical activity, and mental stimulation.
Take golf, for example. This well-loved sport is about more than just the game. It’s about connecting with others and spending time with friends in a relaxing environment. Let’s look at some of the benefits of golfing while we explore golf courses in the St. Louis area!
Benefits of Golfing
Golf is one of those unique sports that anyone at any age can enjoy. It also provides numerous health benefits! Plus, you get to golf surrounded by beautiful scenery. But before you grab your clubs, let’s look at the benefits of golfing.
Accessibility
Not all golf courses are created equal. Some have paved paths, carts with swivel seats, and clubhouses with comfortable seating areas. These amenities enhance the overall golfing experience, but they also make it more accessible for all. When you’re looking for golf courses in the area, consider these senior-friendly features.
Rejuvenation
Who knew golf could be so beautiful and relaxing? Many golf courses offer stunning views with well-maintained landscapes, water features, and peaceful surroundings. This serene atmosphere produces a stress-reducing, relaxing experience. Plus, beautiful grounds provide motivation to stay active and keep your mind sharp.
Affordability
Golf can be expensive, but many places offer senior discounts and special rates, so ensure you check pricing structures when considering different golf courses. Finding a golf course in the area that offers these perks can help you enjoy a relaxing pastime without emptying your wallet.
Socialization
Golf is about more than the game—it’s about spending time with friends while potentially making new ones. Many golf courses will have lounges where you can chat with other golfers, but it’s also a good idea to look for golf courses with active senior communities or senior group outings. This can help you make new friends and feel a sense of belonging while staying active. According to a Harvard study, socialization is key to staying happy throughout retirement, and golf presents a unique opportunity to engage in both social pursuits and fun hobbies.
Exercise
Studies have shown that golf provides plenty of health benefits while also being a lower-intensity exercise. In fact, golf offers more physical health benefits than just walking. A round of golf can take a few hours to complete, so if you’re walking while you’re playing, you may walk up to six miles!
Golf works every muscle in your body. It also helps build up your core strength, which is essential to maintaining flexibility and relieving chronic pain. As a result, you’re burning more calories, which is beneficial for blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Stimulation
Keeping your mind active is just as important as keeping your body active. To maintain a high quality of life throughout your golden years, you should keep your brain engaged. Golf keeps your mind occupied through strategizing while challenging your body and uplifting your mood.
Golf Courses in the Area
Do you want to explore golf courses in St. Louis? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Creve Coeur Golf Course: The Creve Coeur Golf Course is suitable for all levels of golfers—even beginners—so you can learn this new hobby with ease.
- Florissant Golf Club: The Florissant Golf Club presents gorgeous views with challenges for golfers of all abilities.
- Gateway National Golf Links: If you’re looking for relaxing, scenic views while you golf, Gateway National is where you want to be. Lakes, stone bridges, tall grasses, and more are found throughout this course. Plus, its location near the Gateway Arch means you’ll have a magnificent view!
- Stonewolf Golf Club: The Stonewolf Golf Club is an impressive course that offers a challenging round of golf, but it can be as easy or as difficult as you want. Plus, with rolling hills and trees, you’ll be taking in beautiful views with every step you take.
- Tapawingo National Golf Club: The Tapawingo National Golf Club presents the ultimate experience for golfers of all abilities on a course surrounded by forests, rivers, and lakes.
Enjoy Your Retirement Years
Your retirement years should be filled with joy and plenty of time spent on the things you love. Independent living communities can help you carve out extra time in your day for these pursuits through a low-maintenance lifestyle with no household chores.
Are you interested in seeing what independent living communities such as Bethesda can do to enhance your lifestyle? Book a tour today to explore what our communities have to offer.
