Pickleball's popularity is only growing. The sport is not only popular among high school students, but also among seniors. The good news is that, like other sports, playing pickleball improves both physical and mental health. This is undoubtedly encouraging for the millions who currently play and those on the sidelines who are considering joining.
What are the health benefits of pickleball?
“Exercise is medicine,” says Edward R. Laskowski, MD, emeritus director of physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “And pickleball gives you exercise that's beneficial for your health.” Physically, the sport offers benefits like improved hand-eye coordination, strength, and agility. Even better, it gets seniors out of the house and engaging in physical activity. Half of Americans don't exercise enough. The statistics for older adults are even worse: one-third of older adults with at least one chronic condition don't exercise at all.
Beyond the physical benefits, there are psychological ones too. Dr. Laskowski explains that sports can be a source of social connection and improved mental health. A 2018 study showed that leisure activities (including those that require training) reduce the risk of depression, which is important given rising rates of depression and healthcare costs among older adults.
When asked about their pickleball experiences, 15 USA Pickleball (USAP) Ambassadors described four common themes: 1. Pickleball is a new way to stay active. 2. Pickleball is a way to socialize. 3. Pickleball is a unique intergenerational sport. 4. Pickleball is a hobby in life that can give meaning to older adults.
What are the risks of pickleball?
“If you're comfortable moving around the court, have good balance, and can move your arms and legs without significant pain or restriction, pickleball is probably safe to play,” says Dr. Laskowski. But as with any sport, there are some risks, he says, including the potential for injury to muscles, tendons, and cartilage and ligaments in the knees, as well as the aggravation of hip and knee arthritis in some players.
To prevent pickleball injuries, avoid backpedaling, do regular strength training and get used to standing in a “ready position” with your feet wide and your knees bent.
But remember, the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks. A systematic meta-analysis concluded that physically active adults over 60 years of age have a reduced risk of many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, breast and prostate cancer, fractures, falls, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, and dementia. Many of these trends also held true for adults who replaced sedentary behavior with a more active lifestyle.
For those looking to establish a more regular exercise habit, stick with an activity you actually enjoy (like pickleball). When you remember that an activity was fun, you're more likely to return to it. It quickly becomes a habit. So get out of the “kitchen” (is that right? I'm still learning the lingo…) and play. You'll find more than just fun.
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