FORMATION OF THE SOCIAL STATUS OF GOLF AND ITS FUNCTIONAL AS A HEALTHY SPORT

Abstract

Physical inactivity remains one of the most pressing global public health challenges of our time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it ranks fourth among leading risk factors for mortality and is directly associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and a range of other chronic conditions. WHO guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults; however, a substantial proportion of the global population fails to meet this standard. Against this background, identifying sustainable and accessible forms of physical activity suitable across the lifespan – l particularly in middle and older age – has become an urgent research and public health priority. Golf, played by approximately 55–66 million people across 206 countries, offers a distinctive combination of prolonged walking, muscular engagement during swing mechanics, outdoor exposure, and rich social interaction. Despite a growing body of international evidence confirming its health-promoting potential, systematic scientific analysis of golf as a form of health-enhancing physical activity remains virtually absent in Ukraine. Purpose. To identify current trends in the development of golf as a health-promoting form of physical activity and to outline prospects for its implementation within the Ukrainian health and sport system. Results. Evidence confirms that golf provides moderate-intensity aerobic exercise: a single walking round generates 800–1,500 kcal of energy expenditure and exceeds 10,000 steps, thereby fulfilling daily physical activity recommendations. Systematic reviews demonstrate beneficial effects of regular golf participation on the cardiovascular system, including reductions in blood pressure and improvements in lipid profiles, as well as on metabolic health through normalisation of body weight and regulation of blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Positive effects on the musculoskeletal system have also been documented, encompassing gains in muscle strength, joint mobility, postural control, and balance – parameters of critical importance for fall prevention in older adults. A Swedish population-based study reported that mortality rates among regular golfers are 40% lower than among non-playing peers, corresponding to an estimated five-year increase in life expectancy. With respect to mental health, golf has been associated with enhanced self-efficacy, reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, improved cognitive function, and a 30% reduction in dementia risk. The social dimension of the game, combined with the psychophysiological benefits of «green exercise» in natural environments – including lowered cortisol levels and reduced subjective stress – further amplifies these outcomes. Conclusions. Golf represents a promising modality of health-promoting physical activity that aligns with WHO recommendations and uniquely integrates physical, cognitive, and social benefits. It is particularly well-suited for middle-aged and older adults, individuals with chronic diseases, and those with limited mobility. The development of research in this field in Ukraine holds significant potential for both sports science and the national healthcare system.