August is National Golf Month and there is no better way to honor the game than by playing a round! A recent study shows that seniors actually make up one quarter of all golfers – and that’s because a day on the course offers some major benefits. For example, Seniors Helping Seniors® care receivers in the West could find that regular golf outings:
● Improve strength and stamina with low-impact activity
● Bolster hand / eye coordination and concentration skills
● And provide an excellent opportunity for social engagement
If those reasons aren’t enough…it’s also just plain fun!
At Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, the safety of those we serve is always our top priority. Though golf is considered a relaxing activity for many, there’s always the possibility for injury. However, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring you or a senior loved one have a wonderful day on the golf course!
Play It Safe! 3 Tips For Senior Golfers
While the following advice applies to every golfer, no matter their age, it’s especially important for seniors. The Seniors Helping Seniors® tips below will have you or your special senior ready to walk, swing, and hopefully, get that ever-elusive hole in one!
1. Keep Cool and Hydrate!
It’s no secret, the West’s midday temperatures can be scorching in August! Whenever possible, schedule tee times early in the morning, when the sun isn’t quite as hot.
Make sure to wear appropriate clothing as well. A hat and sunglasses will help protect your head, face, and eyes from the sun’s rays, but it may be too hot to don long sleeves or long pants. Be sure to apply an FDA-approved sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin.
Bring enough water for the round and drink up! Most golf courses also have refreshment carts or water stations along the green, so take advantage of these resources to keep your body well-hydrated!
2. Take The Strain Out Of Carrying Clubs
Let’s face it, a golf bag full of clubs is heavy. Luckily, there are a few ways to avoid having to lug it all over the course.
First, consider investing in a pull cart. Since they have wheels, maneuvering a cart like this along the fairway will be no problem – even with a cumbersome bag of clubs in tow.
Or, ask a grandchild or younger friend to come along as a caddy. They’ll enjoy getting to learn the game, you’ll benefit from a more relaxing day, and you’ll both love spending time together!
3. Prepare Before Hitting The Links
To prevent any issues, there are a few simple steps you can take before ever swinging a club:
Bring A Buddy
Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers love helping our care receivers pursue their favorite hobbies, so don’t shy away from challenging them to a friendly match! Not only will golfing with someone else make the round more fun, you can help each other watch for signs of distress as well – like heat stroke, sunburn, and dehydration.
Warm Up!
Even the nicest of days on the links could lead to injury if you aren’t properly warmed up. Do a full-body stretch – making sure to hit your legs, hips, back, and arms – to get limber and prepare your muscles for physical activity.
Pick Balls Up Properly
Bending down to grab your golf ball might seem like the easiest part of your outing, but it’s important to do it right to prevent injury. Always bend your knees when scooping a ball off the ground and lean on a friend to steady yourself while bending over.
The West is known for its ground-dwelling critters as well, so if you hit your ball into the rough, make sure there’s nothing else hiding in the grass before reaching a hand in to get it.
Have The Clubhouse On Speed Dial
You could be up to a mile or more away from the clubhouse in the middle of a golf round. Make sure you have their number at the ready in case you or someone you’re with need assistance. They often have access to food, drink, and safety equipment that could help prevent a serious health issue.
We love to see our care receivers living life to the fullest and enjoying their favorite activities! Staying mentally, physically, and socially active into your senior years is essential in remaining engaged and independent. Golfing is a great way to have some fun while enjoying a host of positive benefits and the company of your Seniors Helping Seniors® companion! Now, who’s ready to hit the links?!
