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Football: the benefits of playing into the second half (of your life) Scientists at the British Science Festival extol the advantages of playing football into middle age and beyondThe beautiful game – it's a national obsession. Many of us might play football when we're young and probably think about giving up as we get older.But hold onto your boots for a moment. At the British Science Festival in Birmingham this week, scientists argued that we can and should play football into middle and older age. And they've been thinking about how the beautiful game might be adapted for our more delicate constitutions as we reach our 30s and older.Research published earlier this year in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science found that untrained middle-aged men and women who participated in regular football for an hour two or three times a week, and elderly men (63-78 years) exposed to lifelong football had marked physiological, mental and social health benefits.They saw improved cardiovascular health and better bone density and postural strength, which can protect against broken bones in older age. The study participants reported "a sense of flow", a term used by psychologists to describe a rewarding psychological state. They also felt a sense of social belonging, which has benefits on mental health. The benefits were greater than those seen in endurance running for increases in muscle mass, some cardiovascular benefits and reduced worry. Moreover, the footballers had fun.So should we begin to build football academies for baby boomers? Not quite yet. There are certainly physical, mental and social benefits to playing football for older people, but many of these benefits are common to most regular exercise. Previously untrained football players are also at risk of injury – appropriate fitness training is necessary. A game of two halves with 45 minutes each way can perhaps be too long for some participants.The benefits of "flow" and social belonging may well be seen in other team sports such as hockey and rugby. In any case, this social aspect of football, the day out with the boys on the pitch and then in the pub, may not be compatible with all lifestyles.So what's the solution? Researchers, led by psychologist Peter Reddy, at the University of Aston held an international tournament for over-45s, in the name of research, and they believe we can learn lessons from junior football. A shorter small-sided game with three periods and a smaller goal and pitch may be more manageable. The researchers think there may also be a market for international Saga-style football tourism, a bit like golf holidays, that might provide a more family friendly environment.It's not just researchers who are looking into playing football into older age. AC Milan's laboratory, headed up by Jean-Pierre Meersseman, has tailored training for the needs of older players.In our increasingly sedentary society, perhaps it's not a bad idea to reinvigorate our enthusiasm for playing football in older age. Being more innovative in our wider public health strategy for our middle-aged and senior citizens, via football, might not be a bad idea.Monica Desai is a British Science Association media fellowAgeingHealthBritish Science Festival 2010British Science FestivalMonica Desaiguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
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