FINALLY! I plan to play golf today. The weather looks nice. I've played a few times this "spring", but it's been cold and windy, and I haven't exactly enjoyed it.

Now for those of you who scoff at golf, permit me to extol its virtues.
Few sports can match golf in physical health accessibility and mental health benefits. It's a low-intensity game anyone can play regardless of age and level of fitness. Yet it requires certain skills such as strength, coordination, stamina, and mental focus to be successful.

Little did I realize that when my father made me "go caddy" at age 12, I would take up the game and be playing now for 54 years. I see no reason why I can't continue playing another 34 when I reach 100. For "seniors", the relatively slow pace of golf makes it an ideal way for us to stay in shape. An additional plus is being in the sun which helps the body produce needed vitamin D.

In addition to the strength and aerobic benefits of swinging a club and walking a course (5.5 miles at my 18 holes), the peacefulness of golf and the concentration it takes to play can improve mental health. Yes, golf can be frustrating at times (I don't play as well as I used to), but it's an opportunity to reduce stress and clear the mind.

Here's the clincher. A recent Swedish study found that golf may actually help you live longer. Data collected from 300,000 Swedish golfers indicated that--in combination with other factors--life expectancy was increased by five years compared to non-golfers of the same sex, age, and socioeconomic status!

So for all those naysayers, I say golf for good health and a longer life.