Why pickleball might just be the perfect sport for Australian seniors!

Are you an avid athlete looking for a new sport to try? Maybe you’re searching for an activity that could help boost your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Or maybe you’re just up for trying something new and building new friendships.

Well, Pickleball* could just be the perfect solution for you!



What is pickleball, you ask? We had the same question! Pickleball is typically played in pairs, similar to doubles tennis, badminton or table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-size court with a tennis-size net, and strategy and patience are key elements of the game.

Pickleball can offer amazing benefits to both the younger and older Aussies—exercise to keep fit and healthy, an opportunity to socialise and improved self-confidence. What’s more, it’s a sport with minimal physical boundaries.


shutterstock_2093838898 (1).jpg
Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity. Image Credit: Shutterstock



At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, there was no shortage of older volunteers and participants getting involved. The youngest competitor on the day was only 17, but the majority of players were over 50, 60 or 70 years old.

As it involves a lot of strategy, a game between an experienced 25-year-old and a newbie 65-year-old can be very competitive. Plus, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the Victorian Championships meant that all participants felt comfortable giving it a try.



It can be hard to make friends without work or school-aged children being around. But pickleball is a great way to combat social isolation, enlisting the social connections we’ve made throughout the sport.

A 2018 study of 153 pickleball players over the age of 65 also showed that playing pickleball* is significantly related to a low level of depression in older adults.

We were even told an incredible story of an 84-year-old gentleman who was reportedly getting fitter and fitter while playing the sport. He’s now able to run back and forth around the court!

A 2016 study showed you can burn more calories playing pickleball* for 30 minutes than if you had been walking—40 per cent more, to be precise.



Now, you might be wondering, how do I actually play*?
We’ll send you over to the experts at Laneway Paddles* for that one! They’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to know* from how to serve and score your game.

Once you’ve got the basics down pat, you might like to invest in your own paddle. Laneway Paddles* have some beautiful designs like ‘Ivy’, which reminds the SDC team of a sunny cricket field in summer* or ‘Pacific’, reminiscent of afternoons spent in the pool or down by the beach*. There’s even a premium option for any aspiring pro-pickleball players*.



The designs clearly have more fans than just us, as they first sold out online within two weeks of preorder*.

Buy one, get one free
Until September 9th, Laneway Paddles* are honouring Australian dads with a 'buy one, get one free' offer*! Simply add two paddles to your cart and use the code FATHERSDAY23 at the checkout to score your freebie*.

Key Takeaways

  • Pickleball, a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining popularity among Australian seniors for its inclusivity and low physical demand.
  • Strategy and patience are key elements of the game rather than physical strength or speed, helping to contribute to mental fitness.
  • At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, most players were over 50, 60 or 70 years of age.
  • Studies show that even moderate pickleball activity can improve physical fitness measures such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
  • Pickleball provides significant physical and mental health benefits, promoting reduced risk of falls, maintenance of daily function, social interaction and improved self-confidence amongst seniors.
So, if you’re looking for your next activity that could benefit your physical, mental and emotional well-being, we highly recommend giving pickleball a go*.

It could be the start of a fantastic journey!

If you have any stories or tips to share about pickleball, please let us know in the comments below! Do you think you’ll give the sport a go?

*Please note, members, that this is a sponsored article. All content of ours that has an asterisk next to it means we may get a commission to write an article or post a deal. We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!
 
Last edited:
Sponsored
Just read somewhere.... the bats being used for this sport cost over $100??????
 
Just read somewhere.... the bats being used for this sport cost over $100??????
Ridiculous price , I would not play the game , we had it in our last lifestyle village and it was very noisy ,it is not a soft ball and the bat neither. At first many people were interested and later on it worn off the novelty. People complained about the noise , was not their thing etc. I prefer tennis over this pickle ball thing. Tennis rackets can be expensive as well , but I find that no-one in the area complained about it and a lot of people would sit on their verandah and watched the tennis games.
 
Are you an avid athlete looking for a new sport to try? Maybe you’re searching for an activity that could help boost your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Or maybe you’re just up for trying something new and building new friendships.

Well, Pickleball* could just be the perfect solution for you!



What is pickleball, you ask? We had the same question! Pickleball is typically played in pairs, similar to doubles tennis, badminton or table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-size court with a tennis-size net, and strategy and patience are key elements of the game.

Pickleball can offer amazing benefits to both the younger and older Aussies—exercise to keep fit and healthy, an opportunity to socialise and improved self-confidence. What’s more, it’s a sport with minimal physical boundaries.


View attachment 27585
Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity. Image Credit: Shutterstock



At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, there was no shortage of older volunteers and participants getting involved. The youngest competitor on the day was only 17, but the majority of players were over 50, 60 or 70 years old.

As it involves a lot of strategy, a game between an experienced 25-year-old and a newbie 65-year-old can be very competitive. Plus, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the Victorian Championships meant that all participants felt comfortable giving it a try.



It can be hard to make friends without work or school-aged children being around. But pickleball is a great way to combat social isolation, enlisting the social connections we’ve made throughout the sport.

A 2018 study of 153 pickleball players over the age of 65 also showed that playing pickleball* is significantly related to a low level of depression in older adults.

We were even told an incredible story of an 84-year-old gentleman who was reportedly getting fitter and fitter while playing the sport. He’s now able to run back and forth around the court!

A 2016 study showed you can burn more calories playing pickleball* for 30 minutes than if you had been walking—40 per cent more, to be precise.



Now, you might be wondering, how do I actually play*?
We’ll send you over to the experts at Laneway Paddles* for that one! They’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to know* from how to serve and score your game.

Once you’ve got the basics down pat, you might like to invest in your own paddle. Laneway Paddles* have some beautiful designs like ‘Ivy’, which reminds the SDC team of a sunny cricket field in summer* or ‘Pacific’, reminiscent of afternoons spent in the pool or down by the beach*. There’s even a premium option for any aspiring pro-pickleball players*.



The designs clearly have more fans than just us, as they first sold out online within two weeks of preorder*.

Buy one, get one free
Until September 9th, Laneway Paddles* are honouring Australian dads with a 'buy one, get one free' offer*! Simply add two paddles to your cart and use the code FATHERSDAY23 at the checkout to score your freebie*.

Key Takeaways

  • Pickleball, a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining popularity among Australian seniors for its inclusivity and low physical demand.
  • Strategy and patience are key elements of the game rather than physical strength or speed, helping to contribute to mental fitness.
  • At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, most players were over 50, 60 or 70 years of age.
  • Studies show that even moderate pickleball activity can improve physical fitness measures such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
  • Pickleball provides significant physical and mental health benefits, promoting reduced risk of falls, maintenance of daily function, social interaction and improved self-confidence amongst seniors.
So, if you’re looking for your next activity that could benefit your physical, mental and emotional well-being, we highly recommend giving pickleball a go*.

It could be the start of a fantastic journey!

If you have any stories or tips to share about pickleball, please let us know in the comments below! Do you think you’ll give the sport a go?

*Please note, members, that this is a sponsored article. All content of ours that has an asterisk next to it means we may get a commission to write an article or post a deal. We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!
The only pickleballs I have the onion variety?
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Observer
I had heard of it whilst watching The Bold and the Beautiful..Eric was supposed to be enjoying it , going to the club continually, however he was having his fun with Donna. Shows how exciting it was for him..:)
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Macarj and Observer
Just come home from playing with the Redlands Club. I play 3 times a week and today was joined by my daughter and grandson. Our club has 5 sessions per week and is experiencing tremendous growth. Today we had 10 new players giving it a try, Big challenge is to find venues. We currently use a state school hall and a council tennis court. 16 people can play on 1 tennis court that can be marked with 4 pickleball courts.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Macarj
Are you an avid athlete looking for a new sport to try? Maybe you’re searching for an activity that could help boost your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Or maybe you’re just up for trying something new and building new friendships.

Well, Pickleball* could just be the perfect solution for you!



What is pickleball, you ask? We had the same question! Pickleball is typically played in pairs, similar to doubles tennis, badminton or table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-size court with a tennis-size net, and strategy and patience are key elements of the game.

Pickleball can offer amazing benefits to both the younger and older Aussies—exercise to keep fit and healthy, an opportunity to socialise and improved self-confidence. What’s more, it’s a sport with minimal physical boundaries.


View attachment 27585
Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity. Image Credit: Shutterstock



At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, there was no shortage of older volunteers and participants getting involved. The youngest competitor on the day was only 17, but the majority of players were over 50, 60 or 70 years old.

As it involves a lot of strategy, a game between an experienced 25-year-old and a newbie 65-year-old can be very competitive. Plus, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the Victorian Championships meant that all participants felt comfortable giving it a try.



It can be hard to make friends without work or school-aged children being around. But pickleball is a great way to combat social isolation, enlisting the social connections we’ve made throughout the sport.

A 2018 study of 153 pickleball players over the age of 65 also showed that playing pickleball* is significantly related to a low level of depression in older adults.

We were even told an incredible story of an 84-year-old gentleman who was reportedly getting fitter and fitter while playing the sport. He’s now able to run back and forth around the court!

A 2016 study showed you can burn more calories playing pickleball* for 30 minutes than if you had been walking—40 per cent more, to be precise.



Now, you might be wondering, how do I actually play*?
We’ll send you over to the experts at Laneway Paddles* for that one! They’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to know* from how to serve and score your game.

Once you’ve got the basics down pat, you might like to invest in your own paddle. Laneway Paddles* have some beautiful designs like ‘Ivy’, which reminds the SDC team of a sunny cricket field in summer* or ‘Pacific’, reminiscent of afternoons spent in the pool or down by the beach*. There’s even a premium option for any aspiring pro-pickleball players*.



The designs clearly have more fans than just us, as they first sold out online within two weeks of preorder*.

Buy one, get one free
Until September 9th, Laneway Paddles* are honouring Australian dads with a 'buy one, get one free' offer*! Simply add two paddles to your cart and use the code FATHERSDAY23 at the checkout to score your freebie*.

Key Takeaways

  • Pickleball, a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining popularity among Australian seniors for its inclusivity and low physical demand.
  • Strategy and patience are key elements of the game rather than physical strength or speed, helping to contribute to mental fitness.
  • At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, most players were over 50, 60 or 70 years of age.
  • Studies show that even moderate pickleball activity can improve physical fitness measures such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
  • Pickleball provides significant physical and mental health benefits, promoting reduced risk of falls, maintenance of daily function, social interaction and improved self-confidence amongst seniors.
So, if you’re looking for your next activity that could benefit your physical, mental and emotional well-being, we highly recommend giving pickleball a go*.

It could be the start of a fantastic journey!

If you have any stories or tips to share about pickleball, please let us know in the comments below! Do you think you’ll give the sport a go?

*Please note, members, that this is a sponsored article. All content of ours that has an asterisk next to it means we may get a commission to write an article or post a deal. We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!
I'd rather be the oldest Quidditch player!
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Observer
Thanks for sharing about pickleball and why it's perfect for Australian seniors. It sounds like a fantastic sport that offers a mix of physical activity, mental engagement, and the opportunity to build new friendships—all important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors.
If you're interested in learning more about how sports can be inclusive for everyone, including those with disabilities, check out this article at https://anypickleball.com/adaptive-pickleball-how-the-sport-is-embracing-players-with-disabilities. It's inspiring to see how sports are evolving to welcome players of all abilities.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Observer
I am the Secretary of our local Club, and our oldest player is 84 years old! While she may not be able to dart around the Courts like some of our younger players, this lady is enjoying diverse companionship with our group one night a week, especially important after her husband passed away last year. Sure, it's a noisy sport (so is squash!), but more often than not the laughter drowns out any other noises. Bats/paddles can be expensive, but if you are planning to rise to tournament level, you will need good quality equipment. The mix of ages is what keeps the interest in the game.
 

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