There are many documented benefits of exercise and regular physical activity for seniors. Older people who remain active consistently enjoy better physical and mental health. These benefits are further enhanced by a vibrant social life, especially if exercise and time with friends are combined. Racquet sports are especially popular among seniors because they involve socialization, balance, alertness, full body engagement, and ample opportunity for rest.
Pickleball is one such racquet sport that is skyrocketing in popularity lately. One of the fastest growing sports in America, pickleball grew to 4.8 million players in 2021. Though younger people are a fast growing group of pickleball enthusiasts, individuals over age 55 are still the largest group of players. The multi-generational accessibility of this game is just one of many reasons to love it. Seniors can expand their player groups to include younger family members, and they can participate in community leagues that welcome all ages.
Despite its rising popularity, not everyone has heard of pickleball yet. Or they have heard of it, but are still wondering what it is. Pickleball is a racquet sport that can be best explained as a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The court is the size of a badminton court, but the surface and net match that of a tennis court. The paddles look like large, square ping-pong paddles. The ball most resembles a wiffle ball.
Most often, you'll find local tennis courts have been modified with pickleball paint lines so that either sport can be played at any time. Many parks and indoor gyms have installed dedicated pickleball courts as well. Because of the popularity among seniors, you may find pickleball courts at your local senior center or senior living community. Pickleball can be played as singles with 2 players or doubles with 4 players. Pickleball is very easy to learn, making it a great game to pick up at any age.
As a racquet sport, pickleball is a great hobby sport for seniors. The court is smaller than a tennis court, and the play action is generally slower and a lower impact than tennis. The light plastic ball bouncing off of a flat paddle travels a much shorter distance, so players do not have to exert nearly as much energy and power as they would in a tennis or squash game. The game is also faster-paced than badminton, and requires more movement than ping pong. It seems to hit that perfect balance of continual movement and elevated heart rate without being exhaustive or too hard on the joints and muscles.
Racquet sports require more focus and coordination than most field sports, making them a beneficial cognitive activity for seniors. Pickleball players need to be light on their feet and attentive to making racquet contact with the ball. This takes concentration and agility, which keeps the brain working as well as the body.
According to a study conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), pickleball had a beneficial cardiovascular impact on middle-aged and older adults. Regular exercise is good for the heart and great for blood flow! We know that there is more to good exercise than just being physical, though. Truly, exercise is most effective as part of a healthy lifestyle when it is enjoyable. A game like pickleball combines the best of everything - friends, fun, and fitness - to make it an incredibly productive activity.
To learn more about how to play and keep score in pickleball, visit USA Pickleball. There you'll find many valuable resources on getting started in what might be your new favorite sport. As always, review any new physical routines with your primary physician, and remember to incorporate a balanced diet and plenty of water into your active lifestyle.