How Pickleball Benefits Seniors

Sure, pickleball is fun. But can this popular senior activity really change your life? The answer is yes, according to recent research.

This 2023 systematic review of 13 research papers addressing the over-50 population found significant improvements in “personal well being, life satisfaction, depression, stress, happiness, etc.” It concluded that “Pickleball shows potential as a new tool to work and improve people’s mental health.” Before we get into the physical health benefits of pickleball, let’s take a closer look at how it boosts mental health and well-being.

Pickleball Is a Welcoming and Inclusive Senior Activity

The 2023 review credited pickleball with having “great inclusive and intergenerational possibilities.” 

Since it’s easy to pick up, feelings of frustration and stress are low — and active seniors tend to stick with the game instead of giving up after a few sessions. But you don’t have to read the review to understand the welcoming nature of the sport; just show up at a pickleball social and see for yourself. It’s likely to go something like this: Players will walk up to you and introduce themselves. They’ll ask if you need to borrow a paddle and give you a few pointers. You’ll quickly find that the only thing this group loves more than playing pickleball is sharing their passion for the game with newcomers.

Pickleball Is Super Easy to Pick Up

Most people who have played sports before can rally a pickleball the first time they swing a paddle. But even those who have been on the sidelines their whole lives can usually learn to hit a ball on their first outing. The serve, which must be underhand, is easy to master as well. 

Because it’s so light — like a wiffle ball — a pickleball comes at you fairly slowly, making it easy to hit. The court is only a quarter the size of a tennis court, making it easy to cover. Unlike tennis, which requires proper form and topspin to hit the ball well, pickleball strokes are very simple and can be mastered fairly quickly.

Pickleball Is a Good Workout

In just an hour of pickleball, a 160-pound person can burn more than 500 calories, which is about double the calories burned in an hour of moderate walking.

To get to balls, you’ll find yourself bending down, squatting, and reaching overhead — moves that 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.

Pickleball Is 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. Often, equipment is provided, but you’ll find that, as players become more engaged in the game, they usually want their own gear. Women’s Health magazine rated the best paddles of 2024 and, though paddles can cost hundreds of dollars, this $29 paddle came out at the top of the list. 

Active Seniors at Winchester Gardens

Located in Maplewood, New Jersey, Winchester Gardens offers a full calendar of activities, including tai chi, yoga, pilates, Zumba, and more. Residents can also head to the fully-equipped fitness center or heated pool to work out at their own pace. Then there’s the option of simply heading outside for a stroll through our 37 beautiful acre campus. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your tour of our community.