I’m Jacob Katz, and this is The Renewal: an independent, subscriber-supported health newsletter that summarizes free tools for everyday life. If you’re reading this, keep it to yourself.
Your fleeting time here is irreversible.
Father Time is strapped with his hourglass and scythe and he’s on the prowl.
But with a swift tennis racket bash to the head, you can hold him off.
People who play racket sports live almost 10 years longer than everybody else – table tennis, pickleball, tennis.
The rapid decision-making and strategic play activate your cerebellum – the little brain.
The cerebellum is only 10% of the brain’s volume, but holds half the brain’s neurons.
And if you activate the cerebellum, it turns on the rest of your brain.
Or the fountain of youth is actually the smell of opening a new can of tennis balls.
Playing racket sports also reduces all-cause mortality by 47%.
You’re combining high-intensity cardiovascular activity, social interaction, coordination, and strategy.
So I’m a huge fan of table tennis, pickle ball, tennis, squash.
Most sports offer health benefits.
But racket sports are the champions of life extension.
If you’re athletic, but avoid sports because of poor hand-eye coordination, this is for you.
Watch some videos on how to hit the ball. Then play.
You’ll probably need a racket and some balls too.
Wii Sports tennis isn’t a suitable alternative.
No need to conquer the world, focus on being good.
Spend 30 minutes twice a week – it will have a major impact on your ability to think.
You have to get your eyes, hands, and feet all working together – while you’re thinking about the spin on the ball.
Think about it as aerobic chess.
Now let’s compare the longevity of other sports.
Sports That Increase Your Life Expectancy
- Tennis – Can add 9.7 years to life expectancy.
- Badminton – Adds 6.2 years. Feathers and longevity, an unexpected but delightful combo. The ball is called a shuttlecock because rocketpenis was already taken.
- Table Tennis – Adds 6-9 extra years. The World’s Brain Sport.
- Pickle Ball – Adds 6-9 years. Fastest growing sport in the USA. Enough said.
- Golf: Adds up to 5 years. Walking and talking, like an affluent social club. Bring a 1 iron if it might lightning. Even god can’t hit a 1 iron.
- Soccer: Adds 4.7 years. World’s most popular sport, the universal language, the beautiful game.
- Cycling: Adds 3.7 years. Great for your heart and flaunting spandex. 15% reduction in all-cause mortality.
- Swimming: Adds 3.4 years. 28% reduction in all-cause mortality. Gentle on the joints.
- Running/Jogging: Adds 3.2 years. Stimulates growth of new brain cells – neurogenesis. Who knew running circles could clear your mind?
- Dancing (Zumba, Ballroom): Adds 3.1 years. Keeps you coordinated, delays dementia, stops the chatter about you being the bad dancer. Reduces all-cause mortality by 27%.
Gym bro’s, keep lifting, but please add some coordination to the mix.
Your brain isn’t a muscle, so it might seem pointless.
But it’s key to delaying life’s finish line.
Father Time might just overlook you while he’s busy chasing someone else.
P.S.
Sports That Decrease Your Life Expectancy
- Football – Cuts 10 years from your lifespan! Thanks CTE!
- Combat Sports (MMA, Boxing) – Punching the brain reduces life expectancy by 5 years. Although UFC President Dana White declared MMA the “safest sport in the world, fact.”
Or if you’re keen to counteract those benefits and live just as long as intended, give chess-boxing a try.
See you next Tuesday young padawan,
Jacob & The Renewal team
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