Let's be frank. As you probably know (if you read this article
monthly), pickleball is still a "craze" and the sport continues to grow
rapidly. Seniors (60+) in particular, find this sport easy to learn and
easy to play. It is a very addictive sport because it is so simple to
learn. You also get a good cardio workout. However, along with the
explosive growth in the sport, injuries are sharply on the rise.
Seniors must keep in mind a few simple things when participating
in "active" sports like pickleball, tennis, and bowling (to name a few).
Our minds tell us we are 25, but our bodies remind us on a daily
basis we're not. Here are a few things to remember and adhere to
when playing pickleball — or any other active sport for that matter.
As we age, we lose muscle mass, so it is important to work and tone
your muscles before engaging in strenuous activity. This should be
done on a regular basis.
Don't come out and begin playing right away. Take a few minutes
to stretch and prepare your muscles for use.
Wear appropriate clothing and in particular, footwear. Most
walking shoes are designed for you to go in one direction – forward.
Court shoes are designed to allow you easy movement side-to-side.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Our mantra is "NO BALL IS WORTH THE FALL." When seniors
fall, it's not pretty.
We also discourage folks to not back pedal. This is begging for
something bad to happen.
On a sad note, we recently lost a sweet friend – Diana Dogero. She
had taken up pickleball only about a year ago and rapidly became a
top player and very nurturing to all of us. Cancer took her much too
young (mid 60s). We mourn her passing.
You can always contact either Sue Miller at (503) 702-4273 or
Sandy Stearn at (951) 797-0991 for Solera pickleball information.
PICKLEBALL
PADDLERS
46 | LIFE IN SOLERA | SEPTEMBER 2023 |
