Pickleball has taken the fitness community by storm, offering a fun, low-impact way to stay active and socialize. Preventing pickleball injuries is particularly important for older adults playing the sport. According to some estimates, the number of pickleball players is expected to grow 150% this year to 22.3 million, and one-third of those who play at least eight times per week are older adults.
In Colorado, our population is getting older. The number of people in the state who are 65 and older will increase by 35% over the next decade, a significant shift. With new pickleball facilities opening up across the Front Range, here are a few reminders to Colorado’s active seniors who are looking to take up the sport.
Top five safety tips for playing pickleball:
#1 Check in with your doctor: Doing physical activity that requires moderate effort is safe for most people. But if you have been inactive, are not too fit, have any underlying health conditions or are overweight, it is safest to discuss this with your doctor.
#2 Start slow, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen: Start slowly and work your way up to more time or more challenging activities. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
#3 Proper equipment: Wear proper shoes, eye protection, and use appropriate equipment.
#4 Be aware of your playing area and any obstacles, including avoiding wet pickleball courts.
#5 Have a plan in case of an emergency on the court.
While embracing the fun and fitness benefits of pickleball, overall, it’s important for all new players – particularly seniors – to prioritize safety on the court. For all of Denver’s active seniors, I encourage them to exercise, train and stay healthy so they can play pickleball and other sports while reducing the likelihood of injury.
Plus, when playing pickleball safely on a regular basis, the sport can potentially contribute to improved brain health, weight management, mitigation of the risk of diseases, strong bones and muscles, and enhance overall everyday functionality.
Dr. Charles Litch (DO), Arvada