Whether you’ve been online, on a college campus, or at your local tennis center, chances are you’ve come across the growing phenomenon of pickleball. This sport has immensely grown in popularity the past 3 years, dominating headlines and maintaining its title as the fastest-growing sport in America. Pickleball is often described as a cross between tennis, ping-pong and badminton. It can be played as either a singles or doubles game, with players hitting a plastic ball back and forth over the net with paddles. This popular sport has attracted a diverse age group, but adults 55 years and older make up the majority of core players. This trend reflects the sport’s strong appeal among older adults.

Part of that appeal lies in the fact that pickleball is a low-impact way to get moving. The rules are relatively simple to learn and the smaller court size puts less strain on the body, making it especially suitable for aging joints and muscles. According to this study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, engaging in pickleball is linked to positive psychological effects and health and fitness improvements in older adults. In a certain 6-week intervention with a highly sedentary population, pickleball was found to cause significant improvements in cognitive performance, jumping ability, and self-perceived pain. These are incredible findings for adults looking for low-impact ways to get their body moving and improve their health. 

Along with the sport comes an overwhelming sense of community. Tournaments, membership clubs, and unofficial groups have understandably exploded alongside the growth in popularity of the sport. This provides a great way to socialize and build healthy friendships. This social aspect helps to reduce stress and even decrease the risk of dementia and depression through avoiding social isolation. 

Pickleball is becoming an incredible option for people of any age, but impacts can be further emphasized for older adults above 55 years old. Unlike more strenuous sports, pickleball supports joint-friendly movement while still providing cardiovascular benefits, muscle strengthening and mental stimulation, all while fostering a sense of community. As a result, pickleball is not just a game for older adults; it’s a powerful tool for healthy aging, proving that staying active and connected can be both enjoyable and accessible at any age. If you're looking for a fun, low-impact way to stay active and connect with others, give pickleball a try! You might be surprised by how quickly you fall in love with the game.