By Dr Manpinder Singh Sahota

People who exercise regularly are protected from many diseases such as cancer, heart disease and dementia.

Not so many years ago we would carry our shopping home from the town helping us to remain strong even as we age but this new age of technology has brought with it huge levels of inactivity.

And due to this and poor diet, we have rocketing levels of diabetes, dementia, cancer and heart disease. Rather than going to a gym, have you thought about taking up a sport?

There are some real big advantages of taking up a sport over going to the gym. Many adults are taking up sport even in their 50s. This can be netball, football, cricket, golf, boxing, cycling, tennis or rowing.

One huge advantage of team sport is the camaraderie and emotional support one receives from other team members. Loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety are on the rise in our society and although joining a team can be daunting, it really can have huge positive mental health benefits. For many it is their only support system for the stresses of life.

Social events are very common for those playing sport and many a business deal is done on the golf course. Sport does build connections with local community and beyond. Many people even when they are too old to play sport, will have a regular connection with their club.

Sport also keeps the brain active and alert protecting us from dementia.

This nasty disease is affecting far too many people and by taking up a sport, which could be lawn bowls for seniors, we can really keep our brains healthy and our memory intact.

I have played sport all my life and could not ever think of ever giving up. I gave up football at the end of this year, after rupturing my cruciate ligament, and I’ve taken up cycling and boxing training.