12 Benefits of Pickleball for Seniors
We all know pickleball — the fastest-growing sport in America — is a popular senior activity. But what you might not know is the many ways it can benefit your life. Let’s take a closer look at the social, mental, and physical health benefits of pickleball.
1. It’s Fun!
Nobody plays a sport for long unless they enjoy doing it. The real question, then, is not if pickleball is fun. It’s why pickleball is so fun for so many people, which we’ll talk about next.
2. It’s Inclusive
You could show up at your average pickleball gathering with a $200 paddle or no paddle at all, either way, you’ll be welcomed and encouraged to join in on the fun. The truth is that most pickleballers are delighted to share their passion for pickling with newcomers.
3. It’s Super Social
Most pickleball games are played in a round-robin format. That means you play one match, usually doubles, then move on to play with another set of opponents. Typically, there’s a short break between matches. That’s when players sip their water while chatting and get to know each other.
4. It’s Easy to Learn
Pickleball can be picked up by active seniors in just a few sessions. Much like a wiffle ball, a pickleball is light, meaning it loses speed quickly and is fairly easy to hit. Also, rules dictate that you must serve underhand, so that’s an easy shot to learn, too.
5. It’s Gentle on Joints
A pickleball court is only one-fourth the size of a tennis court, making it fairly easy to cover, especially when playing doubles. Unless you’re jumping for overheads and diving for balls, pickleball is a low-impact senior activity.
6. It’s a Good Workout
A 160-pound person can burn between 500 and 700 calories in an hour of pickleball. That’s about double what you burn in an hour of moderate walking. Pickleball also requires squatting, reaching overhead, and bending down — all of which work the muscles that help us function better off the court.
7. It’s Good for Your Heart
A study found that older adults who played pickleball three days per week for six weeks improved their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
8. It’s a Mood Booster
A study concluded that the mental health benefits of pickleball are significant, including “personal well-being, life satisfaction, depression, stress, happiness, etc.”
9. It Keeps Your Brain Sharp
Pickleball for seniors requires quick, strategic thinking, which improves cognitive functioning. Some studies have even found that sports like pickleball and racket sports can improve memory and processing speed.
10. It’s Everywhere
There are now more than 50,000 indoor and outdoor courts in the United States.
11. It’s Affordable
Often, equipment is provided. But if you decide to buy your own gear, all you’ll need is a paddle, which can be picked up for less than $20.
12. It Brings All Ages Together
Perhaps because it is so easy to learn, it’s common to see an 8-year-old girl and an 80-year-old active senior playing on the same court. Sure, some people are better, but everyone can generally keep the ball in play.
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