Retirees were today given the perfect excuse to spend more time on the course. 

For researchers claim playing golf can be even better for your health than Nordic walking. 

Over-65s involved in a study reaped the biggest benefits for their heart when they took to the green — compared to when they attempted Nordic walking or a normal stroll. 

All three exercises lowered their blood pressure but tests showed golf had the best effect on blood sugar and fat levels.

Scientists from the University of Eastern Finland analysed data for 16 men and nine women who were golfers, healthy and aged 65 and over.

Playing golf is on par with Nordic walking in helping to improve heart health, a study suggests

They compared three outdoor aerobic exercises popular with older people – an 18-hole round of golf, 6km (3.7 miles) of Nordic walking, and a 6km (3.7 miles) regular walk.

Loved by celebrities including Clare Balding, Nordic walking sees people use poles to work their upper body as well as their legs and core.

Researchers then measured the effects of each activity on the participants’ blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids.

This was done by taking blood samples, as well as finger-prick tests and measuring their blood pressure with cuffs. 

Participants also wore fitness measuring devices to measure distance, duration and pace and an ECG sensor with a chest strap to measure their heart rate.

The results, published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise, revealed all three types of aerobic exercise improved their cardiovascular health, including lowering their blood pressure.

Yet it was golf — despite its ‘lower intensity’ — which gave the biggest benefits, the researchers said.

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The group saw the biggest drop in blood fats and the best metabolism of glucose, which keeps blood sugar levels stable.

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland compared three outdoor aerobic exercises popular with older people – an 18-hole round of golf, 6km (3.7 miles) of Nordic walking, and a 6km (3.7 miles) regular walk. They then measured the effects of each activity on the participants’ blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids

The researchers wrote: ‘These age-appropriate aerobic exercises can be recommended to healthy older adults as a form of health-enhancing physical activity to prevent cardiovascular diseases.’

They added that golf can also be used ‘to improve cardiometabolic health among those who already have a cardiovascular disease’.

It is estimated that around 14.4million people in the UK have high blood pressure, or one in three adults. 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 45 per cent of Americans, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sindy Jodar, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘Any amount of physical activity, no matter how long or short, is good for heart and circulatory health.

‘The current guidelines recommend aiming for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week, and this can be split into short sessions that suit your lifestyle.’

She added: ‘Taking up exercise in later life – even if you’ve never done much before – can still bring health benefits.

‘Check with your doctor first about what exercise is right for you if you have a heart or circulatory condition.’