When I decided to retire at the beginning of the COVID pandemic I did so because I have heart issues and did not want to take a chance on having the problems get worse due to contracting it. I already knew that there were many benefits of bowling for seniors. However, I did not realize what a big part of my retired life bowling was going to be.
The funny thing about it is that when I decided to take bowling back up after I quit many years ago I told my wife that it would just be to get out of the house and give me something to do. I had no plans on joining leagues, bowling in tournaments, or even making as big a part of my life as it is. That was before the bug bit me. I have to say it bit me harder than it did in the 80s.
That was also before I realized what all the benefits are of bowling for not only seniors but for everyone’s health.
Physical benefits of bowling for seniors and everyone
Bowling is a Low-impact exercise that is of great benefit to the older body. Low-impact exercise doesn’t put much stress on the joints because they don’t require any sudden movements that could cause harm if done incorrectly (or too often!). Other types of low-impact exersize include yoga, walking around the block at a slow pace so you don’t have to stop to catch your breath. Of course there and playing golf at a leisurely pace.
When you bowl three games in a league it is the equivalent of walking a mile. That means that bowling has been shown to benefit cardiovascular health by getting your heart rate up. It also helps by burning calories at the same time as an hour spent on the lanes could help burn off as much as 240 calories thus it is a great way to keep active and healthy weight-wise!
Physical dexterity
Bowling well requires good concentration. Being able to properly concentrate on hitting the correct spot on the lanes also helps improve eye-hand coordination. These combined can improve mental function and clarity.
A bowling ball can be heavy, and the pins are 60 feet away from the foul line and appear to be very small. In the starting position, you need to use both hands to hold the ball, this is something all bowlers do. To be able to swing the ball front to back and release it to knock over as many pins as possible you will develop a fairly good balance ability. This exercise forces you to learn how to control a large object with small movements while maintaining your balance on a somewhat slippery surface.
These skills will be helpful if you have difficulty balancing on one foot for extended periods or walking upstairs. Bowling can help give you the confidence and abilities needed in these areas. All of this helps to reduce these issues when navigating everyday life and carrying slightly heavy objects around the house.
Stress reduction and mental health
It is widely known that social activities can help reduce stress and depression, as well as loneliness in the elderly and those who live alone.
Reducing stress can go a long way in improving heart and physical health.
Bowling helps provide the ability to not only connect with others but also to combat loneliness and depression through social interaction and helps stimulate mental health by creating a sense of achievement and camaraderie.
Studies show how effective bowling is in slowing down cognitive decline caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care facilities have started incorporating bowling into their programs to assist in helping preserve memory retention. This helps provide significant emotional uplift among residents who often suffer from forced isolation out of necessity giving hope to them for achieving a healthy lifestyle.
A proper warm-up is essential
Professional and competitive Bowlers of all ages take the time to properly warm up before throwing a single shot down the lane, this is something that I am not very good at doing. Without a doubt, bowling is one of the safest sports there is if done properly!
Start your warmup with the important task of stretching your arms, this will reduce the risk of pulling your muscles in your arms. Swing your arms back and forth to warm up and simulate the movement of throwing a ball before you do it with the ball. For seniors try doing small jumping jacks, or slightly running in place. Lunges are an effective way of stretching your legs and lower back. Swing your arms to warm up that movement before you do it in-game with a bowling ball.
People of all ages who Bowl enjoy the social aspect of bowling. The seniors seem to enjoy the camaraderie that recreational and competitive bowling provides. Several of the seniors bowl the recreational Senior days plus other sanctioned leagues throughout the week at both Triway and Wayne Lanes.
Brad is a Certified Webmaster with over 25 years of experience. He is the webmaster/writer/editor of On The Move with Sportzkelz.
He is a content creator and owns the Facebook page Big Rad Bowling, and the YouTube channel Big Rad Bowling
Brad has covered many top bowling events such as the NCAA Women’s Championships in Columbus, Ohio. He has also covered the PBA 50+ event at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl, and the Mega event at HP Lanes in Columbus.
He is an accomplished senior bowler holding one Senior Singles League Championship. He is the current year average leader for the LBA Seniors singles league.
