Pensioners of Bishops Waltham have been flocking to a new local table tennis club, set up to promote sport for older people in the community. Laurie Rickwood from Age Concern formed the club after watching a documentary on a group of Chinese 80 year olds that were preparing for the World Table Tennis championships, if they could do it so too could others. He was then approached by numerous people interesting in joining and since then the club has taken off like a hit after being promoted at a number of community events.

There are many health benefits that can be gained from regular exercise, especially in the elderly population. Participating in sport and exercise also helps to reduce isolation and loneliness as it is a great way to socialise and meet new people. Table tennis in particular can help to improve balance and confidence, consequently helping to reduce falls, which we know is a common but preventable problem in later life.

Interestingly, Alzheimer’s groups have also taken to the sport of table tennis to help improve sleeping patterns, improve cerebral blood flow, and to increase coordination and upper body strength and the benefits certainly don’t stop there.

The table-tennis playing pensioners of Bishops Waltham show that age is definitely no barrier when it comes to participating in sport. Joining a local sports club is an excellent way to stay fit, healthy and happy and it’s never too late to start feeling the benefits.

Adie Blanchard – Researcher

Source

http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/archive/2014/02/22/11030182.New_table_tennis_club_provides_boost_to_OAPs/