Relationship between playing golf and cognitive function in old age

Given that the relationship between the duration and content of golf and cognitive function remains unclear, this study determined the relationship between golf and cognitive decline among older adults.

Overall, 4575 older participants were analyzed cross-sectionally. Participants were divided into three groups based on their current golf status: golf players, golf cessation, and no golf experience. Participants who scored below the threshold on one or more of four cognitive tests were classified as having cognitive decline.

There were 72 (14.1%), 115 (20.1%), and 755 (21.6%) golfers with cognitive decline in the golf player, golf cessation, and no golf experience groups, respectively. The golf player group exhibited significantly lower odds ratios (ORs) for cognitive decline than the no golf experience group. A significantly lower OR was noted for cognitive decline with a longer golf history (p < 0.01) but without association between the number of rounds and practice sessions. The golf cessation and golf player groups had significantly lower ORs for memory decline compared with the no golf experience group. The golf player group had significantly lower ORs for executive functional decline than the non-golf group.

Continuing to play golf during older age was associated with lower odds of cognitive decline. This association was not observed among older adults who had ceased playing golf. Longer golfing history was associated with lower odds of cognitive decline, whereas the number of rounds or practice sessions was not clearly associated with cognitive status. These findings suggest that continued golf participation, rather than a higher frequency of play or practice, may be related to cognitive function in older adults.