Discover the Benefits of Pickleball
As one of the fastest-growing sports among seniors, pickleball offers many benefits for those looking for an enjoyable way to socialize and exercise. Below, we are looking at some of the main benefits of the hottest new sport in the country.
At BCSLA, we take pride in being your senior living resource in British Columbia. Covering the senior living topics that are most important to senior providers, older adults, and families, BCSLA remains on the cutting edge of news, current events, and senior living trends.
And one of the leading trends in senior living today is the rapid rise of pickleball. Described as a blend of “badminton, tennis, and ping pong,” pickleball offers a low-impact but high-intensity game with many health benefits for older adults.
Pickleball is for Everyone
One of the greatest benefits of pickleball is that it is a sport anyone can play. The hollow plastic ball and wood paddle make it easy to strike the ball without having to use tremendous force, and the small court means players of various skill and fitness levels can enjoy the game at the same time.
Although it is a game that is easy to learn, it is also difficult to master. This means that once you learn the basic rules and techniques of the sport, you can give yourself hours of enjoyment refining your playing style, developing tricks and spins on your shots, and improving over time. It is a sport that promises endless variations and possibilities.
Also, because anyone can pick up a paddle and learn the sport, pickleball makes intergenerational play possible. You can enjoy a pickleball match at your local court against friends, join a league with other older adults, or play family matches with your children and grandchildren. It is truly a sport made for everyone.
Pickleball Keeps You Moving
Although pickleball can be an intense and exciting game, it is designed to be played with minimal risk of injury. This is an essential benefit of pickleball, as it means that older adults can play it without placing too much strain on their joints or muscles. It also means that you can enjoy a great workout every time you step onto the court.
Pickleball involves many different elements that challenge the body: You must practice lateral movement to cover the court, hand-eye coordination to strike and receive the ball, balance and agility to reach difficult shots, and cardiovascular fitness to play long or multiple matches. All these elements mean you are not only having fun, but you are getting healthier, too.
A half-hour pickleball match can burn up to 300 calories, which is excellent for maintaining a healthy weight, improving heart health, and strengthening muscles. The next time you want a great workout, head to the pickleball court.
Pickleball is a Social Event
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of pickleball is also one of the simplest: It’s fun.
Whether you are playing against family, friends, or other older adults in a local league, pickleball is a sport designed for maximum enjoyment. It is simple enough to allow anyone to pick up the paddle and learn the game but challenging enough that you will always find something new to learn and discover.
As we grow older, the opportunities for social engagement can become more challenging to find. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious consequences such as social isolation and depression. Joining a pickleball league or having a standing game scheduled for a certain day each week gives you regular opportunities to socialize and enjoy the company of others, dramatically reducing your risk of depression.
If you are searching for a way to improve your physical and mental health, few options are better and more popular than pickleball. So head to your local court and try it out for yourself!
At BCSLA, we help older adults and their families find the senior living resources they need most in British Columbia. Whether you are curious about recent health trends, senior living communities, or local opportunities for older adults, BCSLA can help you with in-depth resources and educational materials.
Pickleball has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular sports for seniors around the country, and it shows no signs of slowing down. If you have not already experienced the fun and excitement of this growing sport, pick up a paddle. You’ll be glad you did.
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