The Social, Mental, and Physical Health Benefits of Pickleball
Nearly 50 million adults play pickleball in America — and the majority of them are older adults. Even individuals who have never played can pick it up quickly, have fun playing, and reap the many health benefits of pickleball. Let’s take a closer look at the many ways the game can add to your life.
It’s a Social Senior Activity
You can arrive at your local pickleball courts as a complete beginner and you will immediately feel embraced by the welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of encouragement to join in on the fun. That’s because most pickleballers are delighted to share their passion for pickling with newcomers.
Pickleball offers plenty of opportunities for socializing. Most pickleball socials are organized 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 which is when you really get to know other players on a more personal level. Because the court is small (a quarter the size of a tennis court), the banter continues between points on the court as well.
Pickleball for Seniors is Easy to Learn
Unlike tennis, which has beginners chasing more balls than they hit, 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.
“I’ve seen pure beginners go out there and, within a couple of balls, they’re rallying with each other, which, just, would never happen in tennis. It just wouldn’t,” said tennis player-turned pickleball pro Jessie Irvine in an interview with USA Today. “The problem is, you hit one ball in tennis and then you’re just chasing the ball.”
Pickleball Is a Good Workout for Active Seniors
A 160-pound person can burn 500 calories in an hour of pickleball, according to Pickleheads.com. That’s about double what you burn in an hour of moderate walking. Plus, you’ll be squatting, reaching overhead, and bending down — all of which build the muscles that support us in our daily lives. It’s also good for your heart! A study in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology found that older adults who played pickleball three days per week for six weeks improved their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The Mental Health Benefits of Pickleball
This 2023 review of 13 research papers addressing the over-50 population concluded that the mental health benefits of pickleball are significant, including “personal well being, life satisfaction, depression, stress, happiness, etc.” Pickleball for seniors requires quick, strategic thinking, which also improves cognitive functioning. “Some studies have even found that sports like pickleball and racket sports can improve memory and processing speed,” reported Emily Hemendinger, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, in a HuffPost article.
Pickleball is Everywhere and for Everyone!
There are more than 50,000 indoor and outdoor courts in the United States. To find a court or play time near you, input your zip code into this search bar on Pickleheads.com, the official court and game finder of USA Pickleball.
Perhaps because it is so easy to learn, it’s common to see an 8-year-old child and an 80-year-old active senior playing on the same court. Sure, some people are more skilled, but everyone can generally keep the ball in play — and have fun!
Activities for Seniors at Meadow Lakes
At Meadow Lakes, we encourage residents to live their very best lives. From indoor and outdoor pools to a woodworking shop and art studio, we ensure our residents spend their retirement as they wish. Imagine days that start with a stroll through our 103-acre wooded campus and end with a nice dinner with friends. Contact us today to see for yourself what life looks like at our active senior living community in East Windsor, New Jersey.
