Padel for health: Why it's more than a game

Racquet sports like tennis and padel are not that elitist after all. People of all ages and fitness levels can easily try them out and quickly improve their skills. These sports help keep us, our parents, and even our grandparents, active, fit, and fabulous well into old age. Here’s what the racquet-sport set can teach us.

The dangers of loneliness

A recent Harvard Gazette article focused on how social isolation and loneliness can shorten life, reveals that older adults who are lonely are about 40% more likely to die over the next four years. Those who are socially isolated are also 75% more likely to die than those living a more socially active lifestyle.

While appearing to be a negative sentiment, there is a hugely positive spin to this research: taking part in a sensible sporting activity, like padel or tennis (which also keeps people adequately physically fit and healthy) has been found to offer a wide range of social and community-related benefits.

"A sensible sporting activity like padel offers a wide range of social and community-related benefits.”

Socialise like your life depends on it

Polish provider of high-quality sports infrastructure, Polska Fabryka Sportow, lists the main social benefits of racket sports:

• Socia interaction

  Whether played in pairs or doubles, athletes are able to connect, build relationships, and strengthen friendships both on and off the court.

• Inclusivity

  Inclusivity is a result of the belonging and sense of community developed between players from different walks of life.

• Teamwork and communication

  Players must collaborate and strategise to execute their shots effectively, fostering trust and a heightened sense of camaraderie.

• Community building
  Racket sports bring people together for the purposes of socialising, having fun, and engaging in healthy competition.

Hit the ball for a healthy heart, bones, and balance

The health experts at Conservatory Senior Living, an organisation that provides resort-style lifestyle amenities for retired folks, delve deeper into the physical health benefits of racquet sports for seniors, which they believe go far beyond matters of recreation.

Unlike more intense forms of physical activity, padel and tennis demand ongoing and quick bursts of movement that boost heart health and lower blood pressure without the joint strain of long-distance running, high-impact aerobics, and/or vigorous weight training. Furthermore, the sport’s endless changes in direction can help maintain mobility and enhance flexibility while keeping the muscles toned.

The weight-bearing aspect of racquet sports helps to combat age-related bone loss and the development of debilitating conditions like osteoporosis. The stronger body structure that is evident in racquet-sport players also makes for a better posture.

Another important consideration is the hand-eye coordination involved in these sports. It boosts balance and maintains confidence in daily activities. This means more stability and less chance of incurring an injury as a result of falling.

Mental health considerations

The World Health Organization says it best when they advise, “Racquet sports require a whole lot of focus and concentration, which help to reduce stress and anxiety. Besides that, they also provide a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, something that generally improves a player’s overall mood and well-being.”

The rise in padel’s popularity in recent times is undoubtedly due to its slightly lower barrier to entry than other racquet sports. It combines elements of tennis and squash, so it appeals to previous players of both.

Join the racquet-ball set

So, what can health-focused individuals of all ages and sporting persuasions learn from the racquet-ball set? Well, you don’t have to knock yourself out at the gym or in long-distance triathlons (especially in your later years) to reap the health benefits of being physically active. TennisCT calls them “the ultimate life-enhancing sports” for good reason.

You can enjoy a healthier and longer life too by donning your comfortable trainers and joining a community of people who love to hit the ball and a neighbourhood court or two. As the pros say in the grand slams, “Kiss my ace!”

Written for Medihelp by Vanessa Rogers