Sheffield Hallam University has teamed up with Golf in Society and Sport for Confidence to develop a free guide to show how golf can be adapted to improve health and strength in older adults living with long-term conditions and those with barriers to physical activity.
The Therapeutic Value of Golf guide has been produced following a year-long programme exploring how tailored golfing interventions, delivered by specialist coaches, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, can improve health and strength in those who are living with age-related conditions including dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
As part of the programme, experts from Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) and Sport Industry Research Group led a 12-week research project to understand the benefits of golf for participants and caregivers through a series of participant surveys and health assessments.
The research was funded through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Scaling Social Ventures competition, which supports social enterprises in developing products and services that tackle the impact of ageing.
It identified multiple, encouraging benefits for caregivers and participants including physical improvements as well as an opportunity to engage in a meaningful activity outside of a normal clinical setting.
Sue Young, a carer whose husband Arthur took part in the programme, said:
“The programme was a great opportunity to meet and socialise with people in similar domestic situations."
“Fun and laughter were always part of the sessions and encouraged by the coaches which made for a very relaxed atmosphere for everyone. There was also free access to professional support for both carers and loved ones which was generously given.”
Dr Rachel Young, Principal Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University who led the programme evaluation, said:
“Over 20 older adults living with progressive health conditions engaged with the programme. The data we collected from the participants and their caregivers reflected important benefits to mental and physical wellbeing achieved during the 12-week programme."
“The opportunity to take part in a social and physical activity combined with access to clinical therapy enabled participants to make changes to their everyday routines and improve their quality of life. The guide is a fantastic resource which illustrates the value of the Golf in Society offer.”
The guide is fully supported by Sport England and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Liz Fletcher, Occupational Therapist and System Partner Lead, Sport for Confidence, said:
“This guide is the result of extensive collaboration, evaluations, and profound insight from people with lived experience."
“Cultivated over numerous years, the guide draws upon Golf in Society's experience in facilitating golf sessions for individuals navigating cognitive decline, coupled with Sport for Confidence's expertise employing occupational therapists alongside sports coaches who use physical activity as a preventative tool to promote good health and wellbeing.”
Golf in Society is a social enterprise that aims to transform the lives of ageing populations by reimagining and repurposing golf clubs as community-based outpatient clinics. It has been evidenced that for every £1 invested, the GiS programme delivers a return of £16.46 in social value.
