Leigh: Pickleball keeps you young
A group of local octogenarians have found friendships and rejuvenated their mental and physical well-being on the court.
Mike Leigh/Courtesy photo
Our valley is home to some very “young” octogenarians. What keeps many of them young is pickleball.
Seniors have embraced pickleball for a variety of reasons. It provides low-impact exercise, mental focus, laughter and a sense of belonging to a community.
It’s common knowledge that as people age, they may become isolated and lonely. The CDC states that “loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.” The Vail-area pickleball community provides a great way to meet new people and build friendships at any age. The sense of community and social interaction becomes something to look forward to every day.
“When playing pickleball, I forget all of my and all of the world problems,” said 86-year-old Ken Decker. “With no problems staying young is easy. Too bad I can’t play all my waking hours! As the oldest player on the EagleVail courts, it is true that playing works.”
“Pickleball means a lot to me,” added Mike Kieler. “It offers me the following: lots of socialization which is great for my mental health, regular exercise, which is good for my physical health and the opportunity to occasionally win a point or a game — which is good for both.”
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Kieler, 80, plans to play well into his 90s.
Bill Cox, 86, said pickleball is unique, inclusive and for the octogenarian, “transformational.”
“You can play with your children and grandchildren and have a great time,” he stated. “The play could be competitive or social. It is not only social and fun but great exercise, and I think it contributes to your emotional and physical well-being.”
For Charlie Schammel, the benefits extend beyond the competition.
“It gives me a reason to get to the courts on time and it contributes to my weight control,” the 85-year-old said. “It is a sport in which my wife and I can participate together.”
Schammel said the social aspect is the best part.
“A large percentage of my current friends are pickleball players,” he said.
“Physically, pickleball gives my body a great all-around workout,” added Bill Welch. “Mentally, the challenge of staying focused in a game is difficult, but very rewarding. Emotionally, pickleball is so much fun to play because of the interaction with your partner and opponents.” The “unexpected benefit” of pickleball for the 80-year-old Welch is the social aspect.
Anne Ekstrom, 80, said pickleball “saved my life.”
“The camaraderie of diverse people, the sense of personal accomplishment against goals that I get to set for myself — not to mention the sense of physical well-being — has been priceless,” she said. “At a time when I am beginning to lose old friends, pickleball has given me the chance to meet new ones.”
After reading a Vail Daily story about the start of pickleball in the valley 15 years ago, John Gottlieb’s wife insisted the couple give it a shot.
“Much to my surprise, I enjoyed it from the get-go,” the 82-year-old said. “Since then, I have fallen in love. I know the exercise and the camaraderie will not only fill me with joy, but be life-extending as well.”
The health benefits are what keep Carolyn Swanepoel in the sport, too.
“It’s all about living a healthy, lively, sociable, mentally-alert life that I can’t get anywhere else,” the 86-year-old said. “For me, staying healthy later in life is all about exercise. Healthy aging requires a positive attitude and an active social life.”
“The interaction with your partner and opponents encourages people to act in a light-hearted way towards each other they likely wouldn’t experience elsewhere,” she continued. “People come to know and care about each other, share personal stories and make enduring friendships even while just standing around waiting for the next game.”
All of these folks hit their 80th birthdays with a passion for living and a passion for pickleball. It’s never too late in life to find a new sport with so many benefits. Exercise, laughter, and making new friends is great at any age. Those interested in joining the growing legion of local pickleballers should reach out to a teaching pro for a lesson.
Mike Leigh teaches pickleball in EagleVail and at The Vail Racquet Club. Contact the author for a lesson via email at mike.leigh@ideas4usall.com
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