Play Softball .... Live Longer

Members of the Kids and Kubs have fewer heart murmurs, rarer varicose veins, less shortness of breath, a lower diastolic blood pressure, and a greater feeling of well being than a similar age group non-team members. These are the results of a comparative study in geriatric research initiated at the Veterans Administration Center, Bay Pines, Florida.

The feeling of well-being among the Kids and Kubs (Three-Quarter Century Softball Club Inc.) almost a euphoria state because they have such enjoyment of life. Doctors made a similar observation in an earlier study at Bay Pines of coronary patients on an exercise training program.

One doctor involved in the study concluded, “I think almost anyone who suddenly takes up some physical activity and gets interested in a particular hobby will begin to feel a sense of well being, a sense of vigor improved stamina. This person also overcomes a lot of anxieties and tensions, plus developing more self-confidence and enhances self-esteem.”

The study’s researchers noted, “there are significant differences shown in the patterns of rest and sleep between the Kids and Kubs and the non-team group. The softball players took fewer sleep periods during the day and slept better, and for more extended periods at night. Results of the study reported the Kids in Kubs weighed an average of 7 pounds more per person than the non-team group tested. Reports from the doctors indicated the cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the Kids and Kubs than the non-team group, but these levels still were within the normal range of cholesterol levels

The researchers interpreted the weight cholesterol difference as the probability that a more physically active person tends to eat a better-balanced diet and pays attention more to the quality and quantity of food

Researchers included Twenty-seven Kids and Kubs. An equal number of men composed the non-team segment of the study. The two groups matched-up well. The average age was 80. Both groups had similar marital backgrounds and even similar professional and business backgrounds

There wasn’t much difference in their backgrounds when it came to sports. However, a few of the Kids and Kubs Had played baseball during their lives, and one or two of them played Pro Baseball. The other group of men exercises, such as playing golf. Still, they pursued their physical activity more casually, according to Doctors.

The main difference was that the Kids and Kubs engage in a unique team activity for men in the Three-Quarter Century group; they do this day in and day out from November through March, and from what they tell us, they try to exercise more throughout the rest of the year. Their enthusiasm and desire to demonstrate to you their power reflects a high level of motivation, and they have the comradeship, esprit de corps stated the Doctors.

Observed categories included a comprehensive medical evaluation, extensive blood and biochemical studies, medical histories, and a psychological review. Body measurements height, weight, girth, and skin folds. Differences in skin texture, cardiovascular systems, pulmonary functions, blood vessels, especially of the eyes, and heart functions. Body measurements were about the same for both the Kids and Kubs and non-team members.

Physical fitness tests, such as treadmill, were not done. The physician-researchers noted that future studies should include this kind of data.

All of the above is not new information. It was reported in 1971 by St Petersburg news reporter Marian Nott. Forty-nine years ago, a team of doctor-researchers from the Veterans Administration Center, Bay Pines, Florida. If the retired team of medical doctors: Drs James Connors, Ned Coppinger, Robert Davis, were to repeat this study chances are, their findings would verify the conclusions of fifty-years ago.

The Kids and Kubs Senior Softball Club is looking for new players. Men and Women 74 years of age and older are eligible to play. Games are at North Shore Park at the foot of 8th Avenue and Tampa Bay. This season is the Club's 91st year of continuous senior softball. Come to the field with a glove, club bats are available to use, and see what it is all about. Applications available at the ball field and provided through kidsandkubs@verizon.net.