Former professional cricketers enjoy better heart health than the general population, a new study has found. The research, published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport and welcomed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, examined 113 former elite male players aged 50 and above.

It found they had a 45% lower risk of heart disease, with trends toward lower diabetes, stroke and blood pressure. The overwhelming majority felt enriched by their cricket careers, with 98% saying they felt enriched and 97% saying they would do it again. On the downside, former players had higher rates of hip and knee osteoarthritis and more often reported depression or anxiety at some point.

A linked qualitative study found they were often satisfied with life despite joint pain, helped by resilience and pride in their careers. An additional qualitative study found former cricketers were often very satisfied with their quality of life despite living with joint pain. Feelings of accomplishment and pride for their past careers appeared to have a positive impact.