Curling for Confidence: Psychophysical Benefits of Curling for Older Adults.

Curling for Confidence: Psychophysical Benefits of Curling for Older Adults. J Aging Phys Act. 2017 Sep 27;:1-28 Authors: Stone RC, Rakhamilova Z, Gage WH, Baker J Abstract While physical activity is increasingly promoted for older adults, there is a paucity of sport promotion, which has distinct benefits from exercise and remains stereotypically associated with younger age. Curling is a moderately intense and safe sport that continues to gain popularity; however, no research has investigated psychophysical benefits of curling for older adults. The present study compares high-experience (20+ years; n=63) and low-experience (<20 years; n=53) curlers (aged 60+ years) with older adult non-curlers (n=44) on measures of daily functionality, balance confidence, and perceptions of the aging process. While no significant differences were found between high- and low-experience curlers, any level of experience reported significantly better functionality, physical confidence, and aging-attitudes compared to non-curlers (p≤0.05). Although further research is necessary, the results suggest that any level of curling experience can enhance older adult psychophysical well-being, and warrants consideration for physical activity promotion and falls prevention programs. PMID: 28952847 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity - Category: Geriatrics Tags: J Aging Phys Act Source Type: research