Move over pickleball, the next sports trend for the older athlete is walking soccer. We love the idea that you can modify a sport, like what happened when tennis morphed into pickleball, and still retain the excitement of participation and the health benefits.
Whether you are a soccer veteran or a newbie, walking soccer's rules are designed to protect you from endless running, head injuries, and strained or torn muscles and tendons, while retaining the competitive fun. One foot must be on the ground at all times -- no jogging or running; all free kicks are indirect; and the ball must never go up in the air above the height of your head. There are only six people on the field from each team and the field is smaller than the regulation one; matches last 60, not 90, minutes.
As for the health benefits, one study found that for guys ages 50 and older who had osteoarthritis of the knee, high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes, playing the game for two hours a week for 12 weeks reduced body mass and total body fat. And another study (limited though it was) found that walking soccer builds important social connections, so vital for mental and physical health as you age.
Curious? Google "The WFA Guide To Playing Walking Football." And for other ideas about staying active, check out Dr. Mike's "The RealAge Workout," Dr. Mike and Dr. Mehmet's book "YOU on a Walk," and iHerb.com's blog "Best Sports Supplements of 2023 that Boost Athletic Performance."
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
