Enjoying the Putting Green at Springhouse Village in Springfield
The benefits of using a putting green are that it enhances mobility, boosts cognitive health and mental sharpness, promotes social interaction and community connection, supports emotional well-being and stress relief, encourages outdoor engagement, and builds confidence. Seniors in Springfield, MO, should take advantage of our putting green at Springhouse Village.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the cold and hard fact is that 31% of adults don't get enough physical activity. It's much too easy to grab some snacks, turn on the TV, and zone out for hours on the couch.
But this is detrimental to our health. Not only do we stay huddled inside, but we live sedentary lifestyles too, which is particularly bad for older adults.
A great way for seniors in Springfield, MO, to start being active is to get onto a putting green. Luckily, we have one here at Springhouse Village as part of our independent and assisted living amenities.
What Does Putting Green Mean?
A putting green is part of a golf course. As the name suggests, it's designed specifically for putting, which refers to the final strokes that put the ball into the cup. To create a fast and even surface for precise control of the ball, there's extremely short grass on this part of the course.
What's fun about putting greens is that they can vary in:
- Size
- Shape
- Slope
This keeps golfers on their toes and pushes their ability to read the terrain.
Benefits of Using a Putting Green
Golf for older adults can already be an excellent hobby, as it has a low barrier to entry, and you don't need to be extremely mobile or agile to play it.
Here are the other benefits you can get from using a putting green.
Enhances Physical Activity and Mobility
Spending time on a putting green is considered a type of active aging in Springfield. What's great is that you can stay physically active without the strain of high-impact exercise.
The following motions can give you a good workout:
- Walking between holes
- Bending to place or retrieve the ball
- Swinging the putter
If you play regularly, then it can improve the following:
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Joint mobility
- Circulation
- Muscle tone
- Coordination
Boosts Cognitive Health and Mental Sharpness
Golfing isn't just about physical activity. Playing requires concentration, precision, and strategy. So if you want an outdoor intellectual wellness activity, then you've got one right here.
As you play, you have to analyze distances, slopes, and angles, then put your memory and problem-solving abilities to use. With this mental stimulation, you can enhance cognitive health and delay age-related decline.
In addition, you'll improve focus and hand-eye coordination each time you put the putter to the ball. It can even be a meditative experience.
Promotes Social Interaction and Community Connection
Michigan Medicine states that 33% of older adults experience loneliness and isolation. Luckily, senior living communities make it easy to connect with other older adults.
One way you can experience independent living fun is by visiting the putting green. This space naturally brings people together, allowing you to take turns putting while making small talk.
After just one session, you'll feel more of a community connection.
Supports Emotional Well-Being and Stress Relief
Putting can be a calm and meditative activity. The slow pace, fresh air, and focus all help relieve stress and promote emotional balance.
When you sink a putt and improve your technique, it also gives you a boost in self-esteem and confidence.
Encourages Outdoor Engagement and Fresh Air
Senior outdoor activities are an excellent way to beat the winter blues; putting will put you directly under the sun for much-needed vitamin D. Plus, you'll breathe in the crisp air.
You'll still reap benefits during the rest of the year too. The desire to golf can override your desire to be sedentary, and it'll make it easy and enjoyable to step outside.
Builds Confidence and a Sense of Purpose
Learning or improving skills can give you a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, and golfing is no exception. You can set personal goals to motivate yourself to always do better.
With each success, it'll reinforce self-assurance and pride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are the Rules for a Putting Green?
There are general rules you should follow when you're on a putting green. For one, you can mark, lift, and clean your ball on the green, but it must be replaced in the same exact spot before putting again.
Also, you can repair damage, like ball marks or old hole plugs, but you can't change natural imperfections. You can remove loose impediments or sand without penalty though. In addition, you may not deliberately test the surface, scrape, or press down to gain an advantage.
When putting, you must make the stroke from behind the ball without anchoring the club or causing the ball to move before contact.
What Is the Biggest Mistake in Putting?
The biggest mistake in putting is poor distance control. This is often caused by focusing too much on the line rather than the speed of the stroke.
To improve, you should focus on a smooth and confident stroke. You should also develop a consistent feel for how far the ball rolls with different lengths of backswing.
What Are the 3 Ps in Golf?
The 3 Ps in golf are the mindset needed for consistent performance. They are:
- Preparation: Learn the fundamentals and practice regularly.
- Patience: Stay calm through challenging holes, bad shots, or changing conditions.
- Persistence: Make continuous improvements, even through setbacks.
Enjoy Yourself on the Putting Green
Getting out onto the putting green can be a wonderful way to start being physically active. It's not very demanding, and you can get some fresh air and sunshine too.
And if you move into Springhouse Village, you won't have to go far to get your putting game on. We have a putting green on the premises, so whenever you feel like taking a few swings, all you need to do is step outside your apartment!
Are you interested in senior living in Springfield, MO? Then get in touch with us today. Springhouse Village is a pet-friendly senior living community with daily continental breakfasts and an outdoor BBQ grill.
