Skip to Content
TT + -
← Back to News & Blog

The Unbeatable Benefits of Pickleball for Seniors

Pickleball

What’s the best activity for seniors?

Sure, you want to get your heart pumping and work those muscles, but the best activities for seniors are also gentle on your joints and won’t lead to injuries. 

A great senior activity is the one that you’ll stick with — and active seniors love to play pickleball because it’s an easy and fun way to get moving while also enjoying the company of others in an environment known for being welcoming and friendly. 

Pickleball for Seniors Is Easy to Pick Up

Whether you were the star of your high school’s football team or played the flute in the band, you’ll have fun playing pickleball.

Like a wiffle ball, a pickleball is light, so it loses speed quickly and is easy to hit. A pickleball court is also only ¼ the size of a tennis court. Resulting in less time running after the ball and more time having fun.

“I’ve seen pure beginners go out there and, within a couple of balls, they’re rallying with each other, which, just, would never happen in tennis. It just wouldn’t,” said tennis player-turned-pickleball pro Jessie Irvine in an interview with USA Today

The Physical Health Benefits of Pickleball

In just one 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 will also have you bending down, squatting, and reaching overhead — all of which work the muscles that propel us through daily life. You’ll get your heart rate up, too, which 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.

The Mental Health Benefits of Pickleball

All physical activity boosts the feel-good hormones that we think of as a “runner’s high.” But pickleball adds to the well-established mood benefits of socializing.

This 2023 review of 13 research papers addressed the over-50 population and found significant improvements in “personal well-being, life satisfaction, depression, stress, happiness, etc.” The review concluded that “Pickleball shows potential as a new tool to work and improve people’s mental health.”If you’ve never played, you’ll find that this senior activity has earned its reputation for being welcoming and inclusive. Most likely, you’ll be greeted by experienced players happy to show you the ropes and teach you the basics of the game.

Getting Started With This Popular Senior Activity

You’ve likely noticed that pickleball courts are popping up everywhere. 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. Equipment is often provided, but as you become more of a pro, check out this guide for choosing a paddle to invest in your game. 

Activities for Seniors at The Moorings at Lewes

Located on the Delaware coast, The Moorings at Lewes offers 35 acres of opportunities, including walking paths, community ponds, a butterfly garden, a dog park, and many pleasant places to enjoy a sunny day. Indoors, you’ll find a heated pool, a fully equipped fitness center, a woodworking shop, a library, an art center, and more. See how interesting and active life can be by scheduling a visit to our campus in Lewes, Delaware.

Need information? Right this way.

We have valuable information for you.

Let’s connect.

If you have questions or comments about The Moorings at Lewes, we’re here to help.

  • *Required Information

    By submitting this form you are agreeing to receive emails about events, offers and news.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Don't worry! We won't share your info.
view our privacy policy
Apartments Now Available – Schedule a visit today!