Physical activity, along with a good diet, is key to maintaining good health at all ages, especially in elderly..
It has been shown that a lack of physical activity is related to the development of some of the most prevalent diseases in the elderly: heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, in addition to contributing to the loss of physical and mental autonomy that leads to dependence.
The elderly is a stage of life in which one must pay close attention to both physical health as well as mental and socio-effective health. Physical activity can act on all three aspects and help us to live a healthier, happier, and more autonomous life. Pickleball combines all the above aspects. That is why Pickleball is so popular among senior people.
A fun way for seniors to get active
Physical Benefits of playing Pickleball in elderly
Physical activity can help us:
- Prevent premature ageing, both inside (of the organs) and outside.
- Prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and thrombosis, as well as respiratory and digestive problems.
- Prevent atrophies, muscle and bone injuries, and improve joint mobility.
- Maintain respiratory capacity.
- Boost strength, endurance and flexibility.
- Improve reflexes, coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls.
- Maintain body weight and avoid obesity.
- Recover after illness or injury.
- Maintain physical autonomy.
- Know your limitations and accept your own body, which changes with age.
Besides, continued physical activity can avoid the need to take some medications related to depression, fatigue, insomnia or anxiety, and it also reduces visits to the doctor, helping to reduce public health spending.
Playing games is the best way to remain active at old age. But with the limitation of physical strength, senior person can not take part in a competitive game that requires much running, as they fatigue quickly.
Pickleball does not require much running as it is playing on a court smaller than tennis. The running is lesser when playing double. That is why Pickleball is so popular among senior people.
Psychic benefits of Pickleball in the elderly
Physical activity can also affect the mental capacities and psychological health of the elderly, especially if, at the time of practising sports, elements are added that contribute to exercising the mind. With physical activity, it is possible to:
- Work memory and attention.
- Improve self-image and self-esteem.
- Improve mood, preventing or improving depression, anxiety.
- Maintain psychic autonomy.
Socio-affective benefits of Pickleball in older people
In a stage of life in which the social nexus provided by work has usually been lost, as a result of retirement. Children often live away from home, and the loss of some loved ones (including your partner's own), make senior's mental condition worse. Participating in Pickleball with other people can help:
- Occupy free time with meaningful and healthy leisure activities.
- Avoid loneliness and possible associated depression.
- Feel integrated into a group.
- Make new friends with people of the same age but who may have different tastes and ideas, forcing us to think about new topics.
- Rejuvenate yourself by contact with younger people, if they are part of the group or by contact with the monitor of the activity itself.
Pickleball is a Slow-paced sport
The sport's potential is apparent to the older population who want to exercise and become more active. Playing on a court smaller compared to a tennis court reduces the intensity of the sport proportionately. The rules of Pickleball is also easily understandable.
A Pickleball Paddle is used to hit a ball that moves slower than in other racquet sports also reduces the intensity of the sport.
For adults with limited physical abilities, playing doubles and playing on an indoor court will reduce the sport's intensity and demands. Older people, who have ever recommended playing Pickleball, enjoy playing the sport.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a sport that fulfils all the criteria required to get senior people to exercise. People have fun, there is a social aspect, and the vast majority of seniors have enough mobility to indulge in it. People having chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular problems should consult their doctor or physiotherapist before playing.
