SPORTS

Program 16

“It matters not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” 

SOSOPWORLD understands that its Sports and Entertainment Programs cannot please all the tastes and needs of its members. So, we will try to please the majority.  

Sports Programs   

1. Year-Round Sports (Outdoors or outdoors) 
2. Winter Sports  
3. Theatre 
4. Acting
5. Gardening, Bird-watching, and Other Outdoor Pastimes

Take up a new instrument, learn to play golf, take up swimming, maybe Tai chi, or become an expert on the local history of your community. Think about the things you always wished you’d had learnt when you were young and take the opportunity to learn them now. 

Best Age-Friendly Sports for Older Adults    

If you’ve ever known the thrill and camaraderie to be found from playing sports with a group of people that have similar abilities. Then you have memories that will last a life time. While every person’s abilities and fitness levels differ, typically as we age, the more aggressive team sports we enjoyed in our youth may pose a higher risk of injury as we get older. 

What are the most age-friendly sports for older adults and seniors to enjoy? 

You can take your pick from these favourite sports activities for seniors: 

Year-Round Sports (Outdoors or outdoors)  

• Golf 
• Miniature golf 

• Table pool 
• Shuffleboard 
• Bocce 
• Tennis 
• Badminton 

• Pickle ball 
• Croquet 
• Ball tossing 
• Frisbee tossing 
• Volleyball 

• Horseshoes 
• Lawn bowling 
• Indoor bowling 
• Wii bowling 
• Curling 

Walking – Going for a walk or a bike ride gets you out of the house, and your speed doesn’t matter. You can use Nordic Walking Poles if you want to get more of a workout from your walk. Check out local conservation areas and parks; or in bad weather walk in a mall by yourself or join a group. 

Swimming – Indoor community pools usually offer the opportunity to swim lengths, in addition to aqua fitness classes, which are particularly kind to aging joints and bones. Some even offer warm/hot pool exercise activities.  

Yoga, Tai Chi and Wii and bowling are fun activities that offer low impact fitness and relaxation for individuals or groups. Many libraries and seniors’ centers offer many of these programs. 

 Dancing – There are plenty of dance lessens offered in most communities, and it’s a great way to have fun and get fit. Zumba Gold is a dance class designed specifically with older adults in mind.  

Tennis or badminton – Indoor and outdoor courts offer year-round access where you can join to play these racquet sports; most offer senior leagues. For more fun try ping pong or table tennis.  

Pool or billiards – Indoor year-round fun that you can enjoy at home if you have the room, or at a pool hall. Some may say that it’s not a sport, but moving around the table, bending and reaching, is more exercise than sitting on a couch clicking a TV remote control. 

Pickleball – A net and a ball game similar to tennis, but played at a slower place on a smaller court. You can play singles or doubles where offered at your local recreation center, and it’s been proven very popular with aging baby boomers.  

Powerlifting/Weightlifting – Not something for the person who only wants to go occasionally to the gym or do a light workout now and then. However, for those who want to venture down this road (after getting the nod from their Doctor to avoid injuries) weightlifting is something that can be enjoyed all year long.  

Boating – While motorboats are fun, canoeing will give you more bang for your buck if you want to combine fun and fitness.    

Fishing – Whether it’s deep-sea fishing, or on the bank of the nearest pond or river, senior anglers can enjoy this activity well into their later years. 

Lawn Bowling – A great team sport that offers the benefits of socializing and a gentle fitness activity for older adults. There are clubs just for the 50+ and senior generations. 

Croquet – Offers all the benefits of lawn bowling for older adult fitness, but, you can also have friends over and play this in your back yard. Good fun for all ages.  

Golf – Amateur golfers have a wide range of courses to play on. Lessons, golf carts, and the club house can all add to your fun whether you’re venturing out as a single or you have a group that plays regularly. A great way to get out, have some fun, and enjoy the company of great friends. 

Biking – Easier on the joints than running, plus if you strap a basket on the front or back you can multi-task while having fun. 

Walking Soccer/Football – That’s right, no running allowed! A great way for older adults to play a team sport they love while reducing stress on the joints and lowering the risk of injury. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Winter Sports   

Curling – Another great team sport that offers fitness for the elderly. 50+, seniors and older adults can enjoy curling for many years, usually at indoor ice rinks. 

Cross Country Skiing – for the more physically fit, cross country skiing offers a gentler alternative to downhill skiing. Go to a trail, or down the street/out in the back yard, for practice. 

Note: 

Don’t let age stop you from keeping physically active. Regardless of your fitness level or whether you’re in your 50+ years, a baby boomer or a young at heart senior citizen, there is bound to be a new hobby or activity you can learn and enjoy.  

Always check with your physician before starting any new health regimen or fitness activity. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support”