If you haven’t already done so, have a read of this article! Attending live sport improves wellbeing: Study | ScienceDaily
The Study:
- Conducted by academics from Anglia Ruskin University’s School of Psychology and Sport Science, this research marks a significant milestone as the first large-scale study to examine the positive effects of attending any type of live sporting event.
- The study analysed data from 7,209 adults aged 16-85, living in England, who participated in the Taking Part Survey commissioned by the British Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport.
The Findings:
- Results revealed that attending live sporting events is linked to higher scores on two key measurements of subjective well-being: life satisfaction and a sense that “life is worthwhile.”
- Equally important, it’s associated with lower levels of loneliness, a crucial factor for overall mental health.
- These results are particularly noteworthy because previous research has demonstrated that higher life satisfaction scores are associated with better physical health, successful ageing, and lower mortality rates!
A Public Health Game-Changer:
- While many initiatives encourage physical participation in sports, this research showcases the value of watching live sporting events as an accessible and effective public health tool for enhancing well-being and reducing loneliness.
- Dr. Helen Keyes, Head of the School of Psychology and Sport Science at Anglia Ruskin University, believes these findings can shape future public health strategies, including offering reduced ticket prices for specific groups.
- Live sporting events, from local amateur games to Premier League matches, offer unique opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging, and in the process, diminishing feelings of loneliness.
What do you think? Have you ever attended a sports event? How did this impact your wellbeing? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments! 