The Copenhagen Study: Analyzing the Longevity Data
In 2018, the Mayo Clinic Proceedings published a major observational study based on data from the Copenhagen City Heart Study, a long-term project spanning 25 years. Researchers followed thousands of Danes, analyzing their physical activity habits and life expectancy. The findings provided a clear hierarchy of which recreational sports were most correlated with longer lives when compared to sedentary individuals.
Here’s a breakdown of the key findings from the study, revealing how much longer, on average, participants lived based on their primary sport:
- Tennis: +9.7 years
- Badminton: +6.2 years
- Soccer: +4.7 years
- Cycling: +3.7 years
- Swimming: +3.4 years
- Jogging: +3.2 years
- Calisthenics: +3.1 years
- Health Club Activities (Gym): +1.5 years
These results were significant because they accounted for other variables like socioeconomic status and education, suggesting the longevity boost was a real effect tied to the activity itself. While it's important to remember that this is a correlation and not necessarily a cause-and-effect relationship, the data strongly points towards a link.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Racquet Sports
What makes racquet sports, and tennis in particular, so effective at promoting longevity? The answer lies in their unique blend of physical, mental, and social advantages. It's a holistic workout that taps into multiple pillars of healthy aging, rather than just one.
The Full-Body Physical Challenge
Playing a game like tennis or badminton involves a dynamic, full-body workout. Participants engage in a combination of high-intensity, short-duration bursts of activity followed by periods of recovery. This trains both aerobic and anaerobic systems effectively. The movements include sprints, lunges, lateral movements, and powerful swings, which build muscular strength, flexibility, coordination, and agility. This comprehensive engagement of the body is more robust than a single-mode exercise like cycling or jogging. The stop-and-go nature also keeps players mentally sharp and reactive.
Crucial Mental and Cognitive Stimulation
Racquet sports are far more than just a physical workout; they are a mental one as well. Anticipating an opponent's shot, strategizing your next move, and reacting quickly all challenge the brain. This mental stimulation has been linked to better cognitive function and a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline. The hand-eye coordination required for hitting the ball further strengthens neural connections, helping maintain mental sharpness well into later life.
The Power of Social Connection
One of the most compelling theories explaining the success of racquet sports is the social aspect. Tennis, badminton, and pickleball are inherently social activities, played with at least one other person. This regular social interaction provides emotional support, reduces stress, and combats loneliness—all factors independently linked to increased longevity. Researchers believe this community connection amplifies the benefits of the physical exercise, creating a powerful recipe for a longer, happier life. Regular social engagement is a critical component of healthy aging, and these sports provide an accessible, enjoyable way to achieve it.
For more on the benefits of exercise for healthy aging, a fantastic resource can be found at the Mayo Clinic Press.
A Comparison of Sports and Lifespan
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table summarizing the approximate additional years of life expectancy associated with various recreational sports, based on the Copenhagen study data.
| Sport | Avg. Additional Years (vs. Sedentary) |
|---|---|
| Tennis | +9.7 |
| Badminton | +6.2 |
| Soccer | +4.7 |
| Cycling | +3.7 |
| Swimming | +3.4 |
| Jogging | +3.2 |
| Calisthenics | +3.1 |
| Health Club | +1.5 |
It is worth noting that some studies show a broader range of benefits for different sports, but the Copenhagen study's long-term and specific focus provides a compelling case for racquet sports.
The Takeaway: Find Your Lifelong Activity
Ultimately, the most important factor for longevity is consistency. While racquet sports may offer the highest potential, the most beneficial exercise is the one you will do regularly and enjoyably for the rest of your life. If tennis isn't for you, there are many excellent, lower-impact options. What the science shows is that combining physical activity with social interaction seems to be the winning formula. Finding a group for cycling, a walking partner, or a friend to swim with can help you tap into the same social-emotional benefits that make racquet sports so effective.
Conclusion
While a definitive answer to what sport increases lifespan the most? points squarely toward racquet sports like tennis and badminton, the real secret to longevity is a personalized approach. The optimal path involves a mix of physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connection. The high rankings of tennis and other partner-based sports highlight the incredible power of regular, enjoyable movement combined with meaningful social engagement. Whether you pick up a racket, join a walking club, or find a swimming partner, staying active and connected is the best investment you can make in your future health and happiness.
