Can Swimming Increase Longevity?

From having an easy way to exercise without overstressing your joints to targeting many of your core muscle groups in a fun, relaxing way, there are many reasons to enjoy swimming on a regular basis. The potential to add some years to your life is another thing you can add to the long list of swimming-related perks. Below, the pros from San Diego Pools, one of the premier pool companies in San Diego, discuss findings from recent studies that support this claim.

Impressive Results from Recent Studies

The University of South Carolina reviewed research involving more than 40,000 men ranging in age from 20 to 90 who were evaluated for more than 30 years. The study found swimmers in this group were 50 percent less likely to pass away during the study than non-swimmers in the same group. Two other studies referenced by Active.com involving nearly 400,000 individuals also suggest the potential for added longevity related to swimming. Researchers have determined, based on results from these studies, that regular swimming could add about a decade to a person’s life span.

Swimming’s Health Benefits

Researchers from the studies mentioned above note the many health benefits related to swimming likely contributed to the impressive results. In the studies referenced by Active.com, the death rate from heart disease among swimmers was 80 percent lower than what was seen in the non-swimming subjects. Additional health benefits associated with swimming that may add years to your life include:

• Increasing circulation throughout all parts of your body
• Lowering the risk of developing arthritis and other joint conditions
• Increasing flexibility and coordination, which could reduce the risk of falling
• Boosting muscle strength and overall energy, which could provide an added incentive to be more active when not swimming

Mental Health Perks that Go with Swimming

Certain mental health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may affect life expectancy to some extent as well. However, a Cambridge University study found swimming in cold water could protect the brain from degenerative conditions of this nature, which may indirectly contribute to a longer life for regular swimmers.

How Swimming Can Slow the Aging Process

Another reason swimmers may live longer is because of the potential to slow down the aging process. The Indiana University Center for the Science of Swimming took a closer look at swimmers over the age of 35. Based on the results of the long-term study, researchers determined swimming between 3,200 and 4,500 meters at least 3–5 times per week delayed the aging process to some extent.

How Any Type of Swimming May Help You Live Longer

Swimming.org cites research suggesting swimming at any level, even if it’s on a more casual basis in your own backyard pool, may help you live longer. Since swimming is a highly flexible activity, it’s something most people can find time to do in one way or another. What’s more, the natural buoyancy of water reduces pressure on bones and joints, making swimming an activity people of all ages can enjoy and benefit from even if there are certain physical limitations involved.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to boost your physical and mental health and increase your longevity, a pool may be exactly what you need. As an award-winning custom pool builder San Diego families and businesses have trusted for more than four decades, San Diego Pools can create a swimming pool for you that offers a great way to exercise as well as a place to relax and get away from it all. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786.