Overview

• A Danish study of over 8,500 adults found tennis players gain an average of 9.7 years of life, while badminton adds 6.2 years, compared with about 3.3 years for running or swimming.
• Researchers attribute racket sports’ longevity gains to intermittent high-intensity sprints, directional changes and constant motion that boost cardiovascular health.
• The weight-bearing, repetitive actions in tennis and badminton promote bone density and grip strength, crucial for maintaining mobility in older adults.
• Fitness professionals are updating the recommended 75 minutes of weekly high-intensity exercise to include racket sports for their combined aerobic and strength benefits.
• Emerging alternatives such as padel and squash are being highlighted as accessible options that deliver similar heart, bone and longevity advantages.