Pickleball has been all the rage recently, and it is not just because of its eccentric name. For those who have never heard of the sport, pickleball is a sport that merges the dynamics of three beloved sports. They are namely badminton, ping pong, and tennis. It is essentially a sport that uses a wooden paddle that is similar to that of ping pong. It makes use of a polymer ball that is perforated and durable and is played with similar rules to tennis. There are surprisingly many benefits to playing pickleball for the elderly, and here is a list of them.
Improves Cognitive Function
Pickleball engages many parts of the brain during play. You need to plan your moves while anticipating the opponent’s, all while coordinating with your partner. Pickleball can help mature adults to maintain good cognitive functions as it requires one’s mind to be mentally sharp and focused. The stimulation one’s brain gets from playing pickleball can help to reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Promotes Socialization
Pickleball is also a great way for friends to meet and socialize. Playing with friends helps to prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can impact one’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Playing the sport can also help to combat the effects of depression and anxiety. It also improves your mental health as it works as a stress reliever.
Helps with Weight Management
Pickleball is the less aggressive cousin of tennis, and this means that there will be a substantial amount of movement on the player’s part. This will help to keep you active and can even result in you shedding a few extra pounds. It will be easier to maintain your weight and reduce the chances and effects of obesity. Pickleball may look easy to play, but it does burn a lot of calories. Half an hour of pickleball is enough for you to burn 300 calories, which is almost the same as what you would burn while jogging. As it is a recreational sport, it is much easier to stick to it as a form of exercise, making the chances of maintaining a healthy weight highly plausible.
Boosts Health
Pickleball holds the same benefits as any other sport. It helps to improve strength in bones and muscles while improving one’s mobility. Playing pickleball will also help boost your sense of balance and stability while reducing the risks of blood clots. Quality sleep can also be achieved by playing pickleball, with the chances of heart attacks and strokes decreasing by as much as 50%. Playing the sport can help to lower the risks of other health conditions like diabetes and cancer. Diabetics can also better manage their condition, as a healthy body can help with the production of insulin. Blood circulation will improve due to stronger muscles, and this is great for overall health and independence. With strong muscles, you are able to perform daily tasks with little to no assistance, and this can boost your confidence.
