At what age should you stop playing competitive sports?

As we age and our health and recovery decline, we all face the dilemma of whether we should stop playing competitive sports.

Football is not recommended for the elderly - Photo: CN

Everyone has different physical conditions and health concerns. There is no one-size-fits-all formula, but sports scientists still have some advice on the appropriate age to play competitive sports.

The cardiovascular system is under great pressure when playing competitive sports , especially at high intensity, with rapid heart rate and the combined effects of mental and physical stress.

According to research from Harvard University (USA), when people get old, the vascular system (arteries - veins), heart muscle, and heart valves all tend to degenerate, blood vessels lose elasticity, and blood cholesterol and blood pressure are more susceptible to adverse effects.

Vigorous, high-impact or strenuous exercise (such as in competitive matches) can cause the heart to work beyond its actual capacity, especially if the player has an underlying medical condition (high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, undetected heart disease).

Bone and joint aging is inevitable in everyone as they age, but incorrect exercise and high-impact sports speed up this process.

Exercising incorrectly, at too high an intensity, or choosing a sport that is not suitable for your age will cause cartilage wear, cartilage damage, bone erosion, and early degeneration.

Another study shows that after the age of 45, bone density begins to decrease significantly. If calcium and vitamin D are not supplemented or proper exercise is not performed, the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures increases.

Soccer - with its sudden changes of direction, strong impacts, kicking, and jumping - puts a lot of pressure on the knees, ankles, and hips.

Tennis involves twisting, hitting hard, and moving quickly - which can easily cause muscle strain and ligament tears.

Martial arts - with direct strikes, damage to knees, wrists, hips, especially if sparring or competing.

The above three sports are considered typical of the group of competitive sports popular with amateurs, and should all be considered once you reach a certain age.

Amateur players after the age of 35-40 begin to see clear differences compared to those in their 20s-30s: need more recovery time; get tired easily; minor injuries last longer.

At this age, although it is still possible to train, continued vigorous competition (sparring, matches) may have little benefit compared to the risks.

With soccer, amateur players over 40 years old who still play strong oppositional games are very susceptible to knee joint and ligament injuries and knee degeneration.

With tennis, players over 45-50 years old who still play singles or move quickly can put a lot of pressure on their knee and wrist joints.

People over 50 years old are often prone to injuries when playing tennis - Photo: ST

As for martial arts, strong combat activities after the age of 40 - without a solid physical foundation and close professional supervision, players will face a high risk of head and skull injuries, long-term damage.

Based on a synthesis of expertise and research, amateur players should consider reducing or eliminating intense competitive activities or switching to a lighter form when:

- Symptoms of long-term joint pain, inflammation, loss of flexibility;

- Have a history of cardiovascular disease or high risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of stroke);

- Over 40 years old for football and martial arts, over 50 for tennis.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/do-tuoi-nao-nen-ngung-choi-the-thao-doi-khang-20250922221551899.htm