Ping Pong Helps Seniors Stay Sharp and Fit

If your knees aren’t  quite what they used to be but you still want to keep physically active and mentally sharp, table tennis, one of the fastest growing racket sports, may be a perfect fit.

Ping pong isn’t just for kids;  according to a recent article in the New York Times, the sport offers more health benefits than it would appear at first glance.   Table tennis is a fast game that requires quick thinking, flexibility to reach for shots and clever footwork to play well.

Popular for more than 100 years, table tennis has changed over the years, becoming increasingly fast-paced and complex.    When played with great skill, table tennis is a real work-out compared with moderate rowing or playing racket ball.  Ping pong may also help older adults fight off depression, frailty and prevent cognitive decline.

A 2014 Korean study, published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, of 164 women over the age of 60 found that regular physical activity can prevent age-related functional decline and promote psychological and social wellness.   Exercises that require the use of tools, such as the paddle and ball in table tennis, had a more positive effect on older women’s cognitive function than other activities that included dancing, walking, gymnastics and resistance training.

Check with your local YMCA, community center or seniors’ center to find a ping pong club near you.  And as always, before starting any new exercise or activity, check with your doctor and begin slowly.  Listen to your body and don’t forget to stretch!