Staying active as you age isn’t always easy, but choosing the right activity can make all the difference. When you’re able to really enjoy your active time, it’s much easier to keep up a regular fitness routine. It’s also important to find a low-stress, senior-friendly activity: one where your risk of strain or injury is lowered.
If your knees aren’t quite what they used to be, but you still want to keep physically active and mentally sharp, ping pong, one of the fastest growing racket sports, may be a perfect fit.
Ping pong isn’t just for kids. It is a fantastic exercise for seniors, offering a range of physical and mental benefits. Ping pong can increase strength, is a boon to hand-eye coordination, and has positive benefits on cognitive performance. In fact, some dementia care programs now include ping pong as an alternative form of therapy.
Playing ping pong has great health benefits for seniors and is a great way to stimulate the brain, promote quick thinking, keep fit and flexible, and improve your reflexes. It is a great way to improve your leg, arm and core strength and agility without overtaxing your joints.
Popular for more than 100 years, ping pong has changed over the years, becoming faster paced and requiring quick thinking and flexibility to reach for shots, and clever footwork to play well. When played with great skill, ping pong is a real work-out compared with moderate rowing or playing racket ball. Ping pong may also help older adults fight off depression, frailty and prevent cognitive decline.
In 2014, the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation published a Korean study of 164 women over the age of 60 which found that regular physical activity can prevent age-related functional decline and promote psychological and social wellness. Exercises that require the use of tools, such as the paddle and ball in ping pong, had a more positive effect on the women’s cognitive function than other activities that included dancing, walking, gymnastics and resistance training.
Ping Pong Benefits
- Increases strength and improves hand-eye coordination.
- Stimulates the brain and promotes quick thinking.
- Keeps you sociable as it requires a partner to play.
- May help fight off depression and cognitive decline.
- Offers physical benefits such as improved reflexes, toned body, and weight loss.
Now that the cold weather is back, join Poolesville Seniors indoors for FREE weekly ping pong afternoons on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Whether you are a former champion or have never played before, you can find a partner that is your speed. The group is friendly and accommodating. We have paddles, balls and two tables available. You may be surprised by how many steps you get in around the table and chasing balls.
And as always, before starting any new exercise or activity, check with your doctor and begin slowly. Listen to your body and don’t forget to stretch!