Can Soccer Help the Elderly with Orthopaedic Health?

You might be retired, in your 60s or 70s and wonder why someone would recommend that you play soccer twice a week. You’ve never played it before and it doesn’t seem that this is the best time in your life to start.

Well, what if we told you that you could significantly strengthen important muscles and bones, potentially decreasing the necessity of procedures like knee replacement surgery in the future? Furthermore, what if we also told you that the sport is relatively easy to pick and fun to play regardless of your experience level?

Luckily, all of this is true. In fact, a recent study has shown the following benefits to come from playing soccer in old age:

 

Better Breathing

Of the men involved, playing soccer twice a week for two hours increased their maximum oxygen intake by 15%, making for easier breathing both while exercising and resting.

 

Better Muscle Function

The study also found that muscle function improved by a whopping 30%. Seeing as muscles help to support major joints, increased muscle function helps to slow joint deterioration.

 

Better Bone Strength

Bone mineralization in part of the thigh bone increased by 2%. While not as dramatic an increase as the other statistics, increase mineralization indicates that playing soccer contributes to better bone strength.