Croquet: The Brain Game. New Study Links Daily Steps to a 38% Lower Risk of Dementia

A new Lancet study shows daily steps can lower dementia risk by 38% and depression by 22%. Learn why croquet’s mix of activity, strategy and socialising is ideal for brain health.

Croquet: The Brain Game. New Study Links Daily Steps to a 38% Lower Risk of Dementia
When we think about staying healthy as we age, we often focus on our physical well-being—stronger hearts, healthier joints, and better mobility. But just as important is the health of our minds: staying sharp, warding off cognitive decline, and nurturing our mental and emotional wellness.
One of the most powerful tools for protecting your brain can also be one of the most enjoyable. Croquet.
A groundbreaking systematic review in the prestigious journal, The Lancet Public Health, has provided compelling new evidence on the link between physical activity and cognitive health. By analysing data from dozens of international studies, researchers uncovered a clear and powerful connection between daily steps and a lower risk of dementia and depression.
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"Based on our meta-analyses, compared with 2000 steps per day, 7000 steps per day was associated with... a
  • 38% lower risk of dementia... [and] a
  • 22% lower risk of depressive symptoms."
 
A game of croquet is a powerful tool for healthy ageing encased in a fun and enjoyable game. Perfect for retirees looking for a healthy activity.
While the physical act of walking the lawn helps you reach that 7,000-step goal, the true magic of croquet lies in its unique "trifecta of benefits" for the brain.
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1. The Physical Benefit: Walking the Lawn
The foundation of the study's findings is movement.
The gentle, low-impact walking involved in a game of croquet improves blood flow to the brain, which is essential for maintaining cognitive function.
 
2. The Mental Benefit: "Chess on Grass"
Croquet is a game of immense strategy. Players must constantly think several shots ahead, calculating angles, anticipating opponents' moves, and adapting their plans.
This complex mental workout is precisely the kind of stimulation that helps build cognitive resilience.
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3. The Social Benefit: Community Connection
The study also highlights a lower risk of depression, and a key factor in mental wellness is social connection. Croquet is played in a supportive club environment, filled with conversation, laughter, and camaraderie.
This sense of belonging is a powerful antidote to the social isolation that can affect so many.
It is this combination of physical, mental, and social engagement in a single activity that makes croquet so uniquely effective.
Protecting your brain health doesn't have to be a chore or a series of separate, disconnected activities. It can be a natural outcome of doing something you love. It can be found in the challenge of croquet.
Looking for a way to keep your mind active and your spirits high? Discover the strategic and social world of croquet. Find a club today.
[Link to Croquet Queensland ‘Come And Try Croquet’ Page]