There’s no law that says seniors can’t giggle and laugh and have fun like everyone else. Where is it written that little old ladies (and guys too) have to spend “social hour” just sitting around visiting. I’ve been watching Pickleball tournaments this summer and I can’t imagine a better way to have fun.
Pickleball is a relatively new sport and it is ideal for seniors. Remember tennis? Remember badminton? Remember Ping Pong? Pickleball is a cross between all three. It is easy to learn and can be played both indoors and outdoors.
Basically the players use an oversized table tennis paddle to volley a whiffle ball over a net. The court is a third the size of a standard tennis court, the serve in underhand, and since the ball moves slower you can concentrate on placement rather than on trying to “kill” the ball.
The name makes it sound like a kid’s game, but it was initially intended for the 60 and over crowd. It is an activity that nearly everyone can play, but if you watch tournament play you will appreciate it on many different levels.
It is easy to learn and easy on the joints but you can still get a good workout. You don’t have to be a super athlete in order to have fun. Quickness helps, a long arm reach helps, but it isn’t a must. Age doesn’t matter. If you can move, you can stand there and hit the ball back and forth.
What’s in it for you, besides fun that is? Besides the obvious cardiovascular benefits the lateral and forward motion helps improve balance which, as you know will lower your risk for falls. Better yet…it exercises your mind as the game is based more on placement of shots than on power so it sharpens your planning and decision making skills.
The game was invented in 1965 and has grown in popularity to the point of having a USA Pickleball Association, which tells you that this isn’t just a bit of fluff designed to give grandma something to do. You will find groups at your local senior center, YMCAs, racket clubs and recreation ceners.
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