As people age, they tend to adopt new hobbies to support the ways their bodies are changing. However, if you or someone you love has enjoyed sports throughout their lives, there is no reason to stop playing once old age arrives!
Alternatively, those who haven’t had the chance to try out sports aren’t too late. It’s worthwhile for the elderly to investigate the many sporting options available in their communities. Participating in a sports league comes with a host of benefits.
Here are the top reasons sports leagues are beneficial for older adults and where you can start looking for them if you want to participate or encourage a loved one to participate.
Physical Advantages
The most obvious benefit of participating in a sports league in later years is the physical advantage. Just two hours per week of moderate exercise has proven to improve the health and wellness of older folks compared to others, who are sedentary.
Their oxygen usage became more efficient, and their hearts were healthier than people who did not participate in sports. In addition, people who regularly engage in even low-intensity sports retain better muscular control and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury.
As an added advantage, the movement required to enjoy sports helps to burn calories, which assists older folks with managing their weight. Weight reduction directly correlates with better health, from reducing inflammation throughout the body to lowering blood pressure and glucose levels.
Mental Advantages
The body isn’t the only thing older adults need to keep healthy as they age. The mind also undergoes changes, and keeping an active mental state can slow the development of cognitive decline and keep reaction times quick.
One of the most tangible benefits of participating in sports leagues is its impact on concentration; older individuals who do sports are able to maintain concentration for longer periods of time without fatigue, and they remain more alert throughout their non-sporting days as a result. This can help them avoid injury and engage in other hobbies that interest them.
Exercise is one of the most powerful means of warding off depression and anxiety as well. By maintaining a healthy mental state, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life and avoid needing prescription medications to modulate their brain chemistry.
Social Advantages
Of course, it’s hard to participate in a sports league alone — joining a team is usually required. That means that older people are getting the opportunity to socialize, team build, and collaborate on a regular basis. This is more important for long-term health than you may imagine.
Studies show that loneliness is associated with increased mortality from all causes, and sports leagues are a great way to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation among seniors. Those who engage with others in collaborative work report higher feelings of self-esteem and value, which can give individuals a sense of purpose that keeps them inspired as they age.
Senior Sports Leagues to Choose From
Of course, running across a soccer field kicking a ball is not necessarily viable for all older people. Those who still have sufficient mobility are encouraged to participate in motor-heavy sports, but leagues exist for low-intensity activities as well.
Consider what is available in your area; most commonly, sports such as soccer, basketball, and golf will maintain senior leagues that offer more accessible options, such as the ability to play on a longer timer or more relaxed rules about in-game penalties (such as traveling in basketball).
Those who need a lower-intensity option can explore Wii Sports groups, which maintain leagues around the country utilizing the Wii gaming controller as an alternative for mobility-reduced individuals. Wii bowling is one of the most common, but tennis and volleyball may also be available.
And for those who need to remain seated, even activities such as chess, checkers, and card games (such as poker and bridge) maintain thriving communities and offer plenty of mental and social engagement alongside fine motor control.
You may even be able to find groups who play games from other countries, such as Go or Shogi, as an alternative to chess and a fun way to interact with people from other cultures.
Learn About Sports Leagues in Your Community
Whether you’re looking for sports leagues that provide cardio exercise every week or something much lower in intensity, odds are your local community has plenty of opportunities.
The team at Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia helps families to connect with local resources such as sports leagues to assist their elderly family members with aging in place happily. Contact SCNOVA to learn more about what’s available near you and how you can improve the lives of the older folks you love.
December 3, 2024, we ask you to please keep the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia in mind. As a non-profit we rely solely upon the support of community partners, grants and donations. To put your generosity into perspective, remember this, our funds go to enriching the lives of older adults in the communities we serve.