Sports & Health-Beneficial
Tennis (Racquet Sports)
A long-term study (Copenhagen City Heart Study) found that playing tennis is associated with a life-expectancy gain of ~9.7 years compared to being sedentary. The Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) is a prospective population study that included detailed questionnaires regarding participation in different types of sports and leisure-time physical activity. The 8577 participants were followed for up to 25 years for all-cause mortality from their examination between October 10, 1991, and September 16, 1994, until March 22, 2017. Relative risks were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models with full adjustment for confounding variables. Source: Ligue IDF+2Mayo Clinic Proceedings+2
Racquet sports (like tennis) were among the most strongly linked to lower mortality: one analysis found a 47% lower risk of all-cause death for people playing racquet sports, compared to non‑participants.
The World Health Organisation indicates that adults between the ages of 18 – 64 years, should engage in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity, with tennis emerging as a standout choice for its remarkable health outcomes.
In comparison to other forms of physical exercise such as running, tennis has been shown to add 9.7 years to life expectancy. This finding underscores the unique advantages that tennis offers in terms of promoting longevity, also aligning with the overarching message of the ITF’s Masters tour.
Moreover, the benefits of tennis extend beyond mere longevity. Studies reveal that participation in racket sports, including tennis, badminton and squash, significantly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 47% and cardiovascular disease mortality by 59%.
Furthermore, tennis has been proven to be an effective tool in combating mental health issues, including strong links to cognitive and brain health. Regular engagement in tennis activities has been associated with a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as enhancement of overall well-being, particularly among young individuals.
Source: ITF Tennis+2Facebook+2
Tennis also supports cardiovascular health, bone strength, coordination, and social interaction, which likely contributes to its strong longevity benefit. National Geographic
Other Sports with Mortality / Longevity Benefits
According to a meta‑analysis in Sports Medicine Open: SpringerOpen
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- Swimming is associated with a ~24% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.76). SpringerOpen
- Running is associated with a ~23% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.77). SpringerOpen
- Cycling has strong benefits too: ~21% reduction in all-cause mortality, plus reduced risk of coronary heart disease. SpringerOpen
Social / Behavioral Aspect Matters
The research suggests that sports involving social interaction (like tennis, badminton, and soccer) had stronger longevity benefits than more solitary or gym-based activities. Ligue IDF
One hypothesis: the social component of these sports contributes significantly to better health outcomes. Ligue IDF+2PMC+2
Important Considerations / Caveats
These are observational studies. That means they show associations, not necessarily causation. Just because tennis is linked to longer life doesn’t mean tennis “causes” the extra years — but the correlation is strong. Ligue IDF+1
People in these studies may do multiple activities. For example, someone may play tennis and also cycle — so isolating the benefit of just one sport is tricky. Ligue IDF
There are practical constraints: cost, access, injury risk, and how sustainable the sport is for different age groups.
My Take (for Habit4.com)
- Tennis comes out very strongly in terms of longevity and health benefits. Based on the stats, it’s a compelling “healthy sport” to highlight.
- Swimming, running, and cycling are also excellent choices for health — especially for more accessible or low-impact options.
- For a wellness / habits-focused site, you could feature a “Top Healthy Sports” section, comparing health benefits, longevity, and injury risk.
