Whether you're seeking an active independent living situation, such as that offered at LifeStream at Sun City, or you want to add a sport to your weekly calendar to help increase how much you move, consider pickleball, shuffleboard, bowling or croquet. These fairly low-impact sports offer seniors different opportunities for friendly competition and movement.

Pickleball

What Do You Need to Play It?

To play pickleball, you'll need a pickleball paddle and ball. The paddle's shape is similar to a tennis racket but smaller. You may be able to rent or borrow pickleball equipment, especially if you plan to play at a community center or gym. However, older adults who plan to play pickleball regularly may want to shop for a paddle that has a weight and grip size that's best for them.

You'll also need access to a pickleball court. You can set up a makeshift pickleball court with a badminton set, but you'll need to lower the net.

To ensure enjoyment of the game, you may also want to invest in comfortable athletic wear and shoes that offer plenty of support and grip.

How Physical Is It?

Pickleball is a moderately physical sport. You may need to move quickly across the court, and a good range of motion in the arms is helpful for swinging. However, pickleball isn't as physically intense as tennis because the court is smaller.

Who Might Consider Playing It?

This might be a great sport to pick up in retirement if you used to play tennis but need an option that requires less running and is lower-impact. Pickleball is also a great option for couples, as you can play against each other or plan paired matches with others.

Shuffleboard

What Do You Need to Play It?

Shuffleboard requires a court or table marked for playing along with pucks. When playing court shuffleboard, you use discs that are 6 inches in diameter; table shuffleboard requires smaller weighted pucks. To push the discs in court shuffleboard, you need cues — none are required for table shuffleboard, as you push the pucks with your hands.

Seniors who want to build and care for their own shuffleboard table or court will need additional equipment and supplies, including wax or powder for tables and sweepers for courts.

How Physical Is It?

Shuffleboard is not especially physical, as you only need to slide the pucks across the surface. No running or jumping is involved, and gameplay can be customized to support limited mobility.

Who Might Consider Playing It?

Shuffleboard might be an ideal sport if you want something you can play outside with others while enjoying conversations. Think of shuffleboard like a large board game in this regard.

Bowling

What Do You Need to Play It?

Older adults who want to bowl don't need any supplies or equipment, as bowling alleys provide everything you need. Serious bowlers may want to purchase their own balls and bowling shoes, though.

How Physical Is It?

Bowling requires low to moderate levels of physical movement. Being able to stand, walk and balance while holding and swinging a heavy ball is typically required, but older adults with mobility limitations can customize the game. For example, you can use a ramp to help launch the ball.

Who Might Consider Playing It?

Consider bowling as a regular activity if you like the idea of going out with friends. You can make a night of it, even grabbing snacks and beverages at the bowling alley while you play.

Croquet

What Do You Need to Play It?

To play a game of croquet, you need a croquet set that includes mallets, balls, hoops and stakes. You'll also need a yard to set up the court. Sporting goods stores and major department stores often sell croquet sets.

How Physical Is It?

Croquet is also low to moderate when it comes to physicality. While you do swing a mallet to set the balls in motion, you typically don't have to swing very hard. Croquet does involve moving about on a lawn, but it can be played from a wheelchair or with the aid of a walker.

Who Might Consider Playing It?

If you have a big enough yard to support croquet games, you might invite friends over to play every week. This can also be a great game for older adults who live in independent living communities, as you may be able to set up a croquet game in common green spaces or gardens.

You don't have to perfect your game to enjoy playing and get the benefits from these sports. Talk to friends and find a sport you can all play together to get more movement in your days.

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