5 Reasons Pickleball for Seniors Is Popular & Beneficial

While it’s true that there are many health benefits of pickleball, many seniors have picked up the sport because it’s super fun for people of all ages.

A pickleball court is small — a quarter the size of a tennis court — which makes it easy for seniors to cover. It can be learned quickly, even by non-athletes. It’s low impact. And it can be played year-round on a variety of surfaces, both indoors and out. 

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country right now and is sparking interest within senior living communities as it has a strong appeal for older adults. Here are five reasons why:

1. It fosters a strong sense of community.

Pickleball brings people of all ages and skill levels together. Sure, pickleball is popular for seniors, but it’s also a great way for different generations to spend time together. 

Since it’s easy to pick up and easier than tennis — it’s common to see an 80-year-old playing on the same court as an 8-year-old. 

With pickleball, most seniors stick with doubles. Resulting in four people on a court, making it easy to banter between points. It’s also common to play multiple matches in an hour or two — usually being a group that’s chatting while waiting to play. 

The pickleball community is known for being welcoming to newcomers. More experienced players are usually happy to explain the rules and offer pointers.

2. It’s a fun way for seniors to stay active.

In an hour of pickleball, a 160-pound person can burn between 500 and 700 calories, according to the Racquet Sports Center. That’s about double the calories burned in an hour of moderate walking.

Pickleball also requires bending down, squatting, and reaching overhead — all of which work the muscles we need to function with ease in our daily lives. You’ll also get your heart rate up which, of course, is good for your cardiovascular health.

A study in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology found that older adults who played one hour of pickleball three days per week for six weeks improved both their blood pressure and their cholesterol, as well as their fitness level. 

The study concluded that pickleball is a “feasible alternative to traditional exercise modalities,” which is good news for those of us who would rather be outside swinging a paddle than inside working out on machines.

3. It puts you in a good mood.

Physical activity boosts the feel-good hormones that we think of as a “runner’s high.” In pickleball, you also experience the well-established mood benefits of socializing. This 2023 review of 13 research papers, addressed the over-50 population and showed, “ significant improvements in the different psychological variables measured in pickleball practitioners: personal well-being, life satisfaction, depression, stress, happiness, etc. Pickleball shows potential as a new tool to work and improve people’s mental health.”

4. It’s easy to learn.

This is true both when it comes to being able to keep a ball in play and learning the rules.

Most people who have played sports before can rally a pickleball the first time they play. But even those who have been on the sidelines their whole lives can usually learn to keep a ball in play after a few months. The serve, which must be underhand, is easy to pick up as well. 

The official rules are pretty simple, too. You can read them here but, honestly, it’s often easier to just jump in and learn as you play, especially if you have a friend willing to show you the ropes.  

5. It’s everywhere!

You’ve likely noticed many of the tennis courts at your local parks and racquet clubs being converted into pickleball courts. In fact, there are now more than 50,000 courts in the United States.

Want to know where to play near you? Input your zip code into this search bar on Pickleheads.com, the official court and game finder of USA Pickleball. Often, equipment is provided, but you’ll find that, as players become more engaged in the game, they usually want their own gear. Check out this guide for choosing a paddle when the time is right for you. 

A Word of Caution

Perhaps because pickleball is easy to pick up and offers fun competition, it’s easy to overdo it, which is likely why pickleball injuries are on the rise. Just like any physical activity or sport, it’s important to wear the right shoes (court shoes), warm up properly, and know your limits. 

Don’t let your competitive spirit push you further than your body wants to go. While pickleball can be lower impact, you’ll lose that benefit if you’re always diving for balls and jumping for overheads.

So start slow, grab a paddle, have fun, and experience the many mental and physical health benefits of pickleball.

Springpoint has been helping active seniors plan for a future filled with confidence since 1916, offering Life Plan Communities, senior care communities, a family of affordable housing residences, and age-in-place home care options. Contact us to find out more.