The Best and Worst Sports For Life Expectancy
Playing sports isn’t just about fun or staying in shape; studies show it can help you live longer!
Some sports can add years to your life, while others, surprisingly, may not be as beneficial in the long run.
That’s why the type of sport you play can sometimes impact your life insurance premiums.
Let’s explore the best and worst sports for life expectancy so you can stay active while keeping your health and wallet in check.
Top Sports for Increasing Life Expectancy
If you want to add more candles to your birthday cake, racket sports like tennis and badminton are where it’s at.
A recent Danish study found that playing tennis, for example, adds nearly 10 years to your life.
In fact, playing racket sports, cycling, and running, can all considerably increase your life expectancy.
These sports mix physical activity with social interaction, a powerful combo for longevity.
Plus, they’re lower impact than say marathon running, making them easier on the joints – allowing you to play well into old age.
Below is a sports risk comparison table highlighting the impact sports can have on life expectancy and insurance risk.
| Sport | Life Expectancy Impact | Insurance Risk Level |
| Tennis | +9.7 years | Low |
| Badminton | +6.2 years | Low |
| Swimming | +3.4 years | Low |
| Running | +3.2 years | Moderate |
| Cycling | +3.7 years | Moderate |
| Basketball | +1.6 years | Moderate |
| Soccer | +4.7 years | Moderate |
| Marathon Running | Mixed Impact | High |
| Rock Climbing | Unknown | High |
| Skydiving | Unknown | Very High |
As seen in the table, joining a local tennis or badminton club could literally extend your life by 15% to 23% and potentially lead to lower premiums.
Health Benefits of Low-Intensity Sports
Not a fan of sprinting around a court or not much of a team player? No worries!
Low-intensity activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are also great for long-term health.
These sports don’t require joining a club, meta groups, or even friends. All it takes is just you!
Why Low-Intensity Sports Work?
- Improves Heart Health: Keeps your cardiovascular system strong without excessive strain.
- Reduces Stress: Lowers cortisol levels and improves mental well-being.
- Is Sustainable: Can be done at any age with minimal injury risk.
Even brisk walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and boost life expectancy.
Whether you reside by the Halifax waterfront or in the Annapolis Valley, you’ve got no excuse not to stretch those legs.
Blessed with some of the best scenic routes in Canada you will quickly fall in love with morning and/or evening walks. There are also plenty of biking trails for cyclists and even freshwater lakes to go swimming in during summer.
The Downside of High-Intensity Sports
Now, while running marathons or competing in Ironman races might seem like the ultimate fitness goal, they come with risks.
High-intensity sports put a lot of stress on the body, leading to overuse injuries, heart strain, and even burnout.
Common Risks of High-Intensity Sports
- Heart stress: Ultra-endurance athletes can develop heart scarring, increasing the risk of heart rhythm issues.
- Joint damage: High-impact activities wear down cartilage, increasing arthritis risk.
- Burnout: Excessive training can lead to mental and physical exhaustion.
If you love pushing your limits, balance is key.
While you may get away with partaking in high-intensity sports during your younger years as you grow older these can impact your health and your life insurance premiums.
Replacing high-intensity sports with lower-impact activities like hiking, fishing, or kayaking can still get your adrenaline pumping without putting your body and health at risk.
Psychological Benefits of Engaging in Sports
It’s not just about living longer—it’s about feeling good as you age.
Sports, especially social ones, can have major impacts on mental health.
Mental Health Perks
- Lower depression rates: Team and partner sports reduce depression and anxiety.
- Reduce Stress: Sports can reduce stress levels by up to 40%.
- Improve Social connection: Playing with others boosts mood and provides community support.
Whether it’s friendly competition or post-game chats over coffee, the social side of sports is just as important as the physical side.
In Nova Scotia, we are lucky to have plenty of community leagues and recreation centers that offer plenty of ways to stay connected through sports.
Long-Term Risks and Rewards
As we age, our bodies change, and so should our approach to sports.
What worked at 25 might not be ideal at 55. The key is adaptation.
How to Adjust as You Age?
- Switch sports: Move from high-impact activities (running) to low-impact ones (swimming, golf).
- Strength training: Helps maintain muscle mass and reduces injury risk.
- Stretch regularly: Keeps joints flexible and prevents stiffness. Yoga is perfect for this.
Staying active helps prevent age-related diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis. It’s always worth finding a sport you can stick with for the long haul.
Insurance Premium Considerations
Now, let’s talk about how this affects your life insurance.
Insurance companies love seeing healthy, active clients—but some sports can raise red flags.
How Insurers View Sports
- Low-risk sports: Tennis, swimming, and walking generally have no negative impact on premiums.
- Moderate-risk sports: Cycling, skiing, and contact sports may lead to slightly higher rates.
- High-risk sports: Skydiving, rock climbing, boxing, racing, and extreme endurance sports often result in higher premiums.
At McIver Insurance Inc., we help Nova Scotians find the right coverage for their lifestyle by finding providers that offer discounts for those who maintain an active lifestyle.
Emerging Trends in Sports and Life Insurance
In a digital age where fitness trackers and smartwatches are worn by most, insurers are now using data to assess health more accurately.
Some insurance providers even offer lower premiums if you prove you’re active through wearable data.
This trend is likely to grow, making it even more important to choose sustainable, long-term sports.
FAQs
Q) What sports are considered best for improving life expectancy?
Low-impact activities like tennis, swimming, cycling, and walking are linked to longer life expectancy due to their cardiovascular and overall health benefits.
Q) How do high-intensity sports affect life insurance premiums?
High-risk sports like skydiving, motocross, and rock climbing can lead to higher premiums or exclusions due to the increased chance of injury or death.
Q) Can regular sports participation reduce my life insurance costs?
Yes, maintaining an active lifestyle can improve overall health, potentially leading to lower premiums if it reduces risk factors like obesity or heart disease.
Q) What are the long-term health risks of engaging in extreme sports?
Frequent participation in extreme sports can lead to chronic injuries, joint deterioration, and a higher risk of life-threatening accidents, which may impact insurance eligibility.
Find The Right Life Insurance Policy for Your Lifestyle!
Choosing the right sport can make a huge difference in how long—and how well—you live.
Racket sports, swimming, and walking offer big longevity benefits, while extreme endurance sports come with risks.
And when it comes to life insurance, being active can work in your favor.
Want to know how playing your favorite sport affects your coverage? Get in touch with us today!