Three Popular Sports for People Over 50
Pickleball, swimming and yoga have all seen jumps in popularity in recent years with the over-50 crowd. These activities are open to people with varying physical abilities. Depending on how often one practices them, they can improve balance and overall fitness while offering a fun and often social experience! Let us break down these three popular sports and show you how you can get involved and learn more!
Why Low-Impact Sports Are Ideal for Seniors
There are countless benefits of participating in sports for seniors, particularly low-impact sports, which can help reduce stress on joints and minimize the risk of injury while still providing all the essential health benefits. Low-impact sports for seniors, such as walking, swimming and cycling, are gentler on the joints, which is perfect for those who may experience arthritis and other joint issues. Additionally, these sports offer cardiovascular benefits, such as supporting heart health and improving circulation, which can help seniors manage their blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve their overall cardiovascular health without overstraining the body.
Sports for people over 50, like yoga, tai chi and walking, are excellent for improving flexibility and balance, helping to reduce the likelihood of falls, which are a major concern for aging people. Along with flexibility, seniors can benefit from improved muscle and bone health when getting active with low-impact sports like pickleball, which can aid in everyday movements to make activities easier and less tiring.
Pickleball: A Fun and Social Sport
You’ve probably heard of pickleball— this paddle sport is being called the world’s fastest-growing sport. A pickleball game uses elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, and games can be played as doubles or singles. Its inclusion of a non-volley zone (known in the sport as a “kitchen”) makes the sport much less focused on running than its tennis or badminton counterparts, which can make it more accessible to those with mobility concerns. Professional pickleball tournaments have opened up, although the majority of players play for fun in a variety of places, including modified tennis courts and driveways. Want to learn more about pickleball firsthand or improve your skills? Practice and play at Québec’s idyllic Glen Sutton Lodge, or learn from IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professionals in the gorgeous setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Swimming: Full-Body Workout Without Impact
One of the best sports for seniors is swimming due to its low-impact nature and full-body engagement that offers physical and mental health benefits. Whether you’re jumping in your local pool or swimming in a river at one of the national parks in the U.S. and Canada, swimming is ideal for seniors living with conditions like arthritis, joint pain or osteoporosis. Swimming is also an excellent sport, as it engages nearly every muscle group, from your arms and legs to your core and back muscles, improving muscle tone, flexibility and strength.
The mental health benefits also make swimming one of the best sports for seniors. Swimming promotes the release of endorphins, which are the “happy” chemicals that help elevate your mood, reduce stress and improve your sleep quality. Overall, swimming has a meditative effect that can improve your overall well-being.
Yoga: Strength, Flexibility and Mindfulness
Yoga dates back thousands of years and has its roots in spiritual practice. Today, yoga is practiced across the world in a variety of styles, and is popular because of its ability to help strengthen core muscles and reduce anxiety. The ability to modify poses and incorporate breathing techniques and meditation makes yoga an accessible form of exercise that can also promote mental well-being. So whether you’d like to improve your warrior pose or learn how to do a proper downward dog, yoga may be just the thing to help strengthen and relax you!
Want to learn more about yoga? Enjoy beginner to intermediate yoga instruction in North Carolina, or explore a range of healing techniques in Arizona or New Mexico.
Other Great Sports Options for People Over 50
Pickleball, swimming and yoga are just some of the best sports for seniors. Other sports for people over 50 that can improve your physical and mental health include:
- Cycling: Cycling is another low-impact sport for seniors that can be done indoors and outdoors, making it an excellent option for seniors living in areas that experience varying temperatures and seasons.
- Walking and hiking: Similar to cycling, walking and hiking are two excellent adult sports for people over 50, as they’re accessible, promote heart health and allow for the opportunity to be immersed in nature.
- Golf: For seniors looking to blend socialization with exercise, consider taking up golf. This low-intensity sport is physical, mental and social, perfect for seniors to activate their bodies and brains while enjoying the outdoors.
- Tai chi: This gentle martial art helps to promote balance, flexibility and relaxation through a series of controlled movements. Tai chi is generally taught in a class session, which also opens the door to meeting new people and forging new relationships.
Starting a New Sport Over 50: Tips for Success
Starting a new sport can be daunting for anyone, including seniors over 50. Before jumping in, consult your health care provider to assess what activities are best for your current health condition. Then, gear up with the right equipment for your chosen sport, and make sure to set realistic and attainable goals. Finding ways to maintain motivation, such as joining a sports club, can help hold you accountable while exploring group fitness activities allows you to stay socially connected.
Find New Adventures With Road Scholar
Ready to blend physical exertion with travel? At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of experiential learning programs tailored to seniors. Through our trips, you can find an adventure that keeps you active, whether through hiking, cycling or guided tours, that incorporates learning and discovery. Review our practical information today to prepare for your next journey.