Regular physical activity isn’t just about fitness; it’s a key component of longevity. New research highlights the significant impact exercise has on lifespan, with certain sports offering more substantial benefits than others. According to medical expert Giorgio Meneschincheri, a physician specializing in preventative medicine at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome and a professor at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, consistent participation in endurance and team sports is directly linked to a longer life expectancy. A study analyzing data from the Copenhagen City Heart Study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, reveals that tennis stands out as the sport offering the greatest longevity boost – nearly ten years compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
Though, the global picture is concerning. Worldwide, one in four adults and over 80% of adolescents fail to meet recommended minimum activity levels, contributing to an estimated 3.5 to 5 million annual deaths attributable to physical inactivity. In Italy, data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) and Istat confirm a significant proportion of adults lead entirely sedentary lives, prompting initiatives like Tennis and Friends – Salute e Sport to promote prevention and physical activity nationwide.
In Summary:
- Tennis is associated with an increase of 9.7 years in life expectancy compared to sedentary individuals.
- Physical inactivity causes 3.5-5 million deaths annually worldwide, many of which are preventable.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150-300 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults.
- The Tennis and Friends project combines free screenings, sports, and health prevention.
Which Sports Extend Life the Most, and Why Does Tennis Lead?
Research cited by Meneschincheri demonstrates clear differences between various sports disciplines. According to the analysis of the Copenhagen City Heart Study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the average increase in life expectancy compared to a sedentary population is as follows:
Tennis +9.7 years, Badminton +6.2 years, Football (Soccer) +4.7 years, Cycling +3.7 years, Swimming +3.4 years, Jogging +3.2 years.
Meneschincheri emphasizes that tennis’s advantage is multifaceted. It combines aerobic and anaerobic exercise, intermittent high-intensity efforts, neuromuscular coordination, and cognitive stimulation, alongside a strong social dimension. “Sports practiced in social contexts have additional health benefits,” he notes, contributing to motivation and long-term adherence. The sport also features a degree of “self-limitation,” where players naturally stop when fatigued, reducing the risk of overexertion common in competitive team sports.
WHO Guidelines, Italy’s Sedentary Trends, and the Role of Tennis and Friends
The World Health Organization recommends that adults engage in at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises. Data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità and Istat indicate that approximately one in four adults in Italy is completely sedentary, with many failing to reach the recommended minimum levels.
In response, the Tennis and Friends – Salute e Sport project was founded in 2011 by Giorgio Meneschincheri to “promote a culture of prevention through sport.” Each year, events held in various Italian cities bring together athletes, celebrities, doctors, institutions, and universities, offering free screenings, medical visits, and health education activities. The next event is scheduled at the Internazionali di tennis in Rome in May, followed by events in Naples, Turin, and again in Rome. Meneschincheri believes that integrating structured physical activity with clinical prevention is a cornerstone of reducing the burden of chronic diseases in the country.
FAQ
How many minutes of physical activity are needed per week for good health?
Adults are recommended to engage in at least 150–300 minutes of moderate activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity, regularly combined with muscle-strengthening exercises for all major muscle groups.
Why is tennis so effective in prolonging life?
Tennis integrates aerobic and anaerobic effort, coordination, cognitive reactivity, and social interaction – factors that improve heart health, metabolism, psychological well-being, and long-term adherence to exercise.
Which sports offer the greatest gain in years of life?
Analysis shows: tennis +9.7 years, badminton +6.2 years, football (soccer) +4.7 years, cycling +3.7 years, swimming +3.4 years, and jogging +3.2 years compared to sedentary individuals, assuming other factors are equal.
Can physical activity really reduce global mortality?
Yes, reaching the minimum recommended levels of physical activity could prevent a portion of the 3.5-5 million deaths annually attributed to inactivity worldwide.
What sources were used for the information in this article?
The information is based on a compilation of official sources including Ansa.it, Adnkronos.it, Asca.it, and Agi.it, re-elaborated by our editorial team.
The link between regular exercise and increased longevity is becoming increasingly clear. Although tennis appears to offer the most significant benefits, any form of consistent physical activity is a valuable investment in a longer, healthier life. As initiatives like Tennis and Friends demonstrate, combining preventative healthcare with accessible sporting opportunities is crucial in addressing the global challenge of physical inactivity.
Next Up: The Tennis and Friends initiative will be present at the Internazionali di tennis in Rome this May, offering free health screenings and promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle.
