Pickleball – A Multigenerational Game

In days long past, pickleball was seen exclusively as the domain of the elder and wiser of us. Yet, in recent years, pickleball has become popular among the youth of America. It's a newly popular pastime that sees the hip, the fashionable, and the youthful filling pickleball courts nationwide. So, who is pickleball really for? Is it a game for the young, or must you age into pickleball's ideal audience? Worry not, my friend, as pickleball is a game for all ages and all generations, a common thread that can bind our families together through sport.

What is Pickleball?

I'm sorry to say that pickleball doesn't involve our favorite brined cucumber snack (though a nice pickle sandwich feels like the perfect refreshing meal to go along with a game). Pickleball most closely resembles tennis or its miniature cousin, table tennis. Pickleball is a mid-point between the two. It's like medium tennis.

You play pickleball on a court divided by a low net and hit a small ball back and forth over the net to get points. But there are a few key differences from tennis. For one, you play pickleball on a court that is much smaller than a tennis court, and rather than using a racket, you use a large paddle. Rather than using a tennis ball, you use a hard plastic ball. These changes make it a more approachable, casual game, which explains why its popularity has taken off!

Why It Appeals to the Youth

Though pickleball was invented in the 1960s, it has reached a new level of popularity among those who never experienced the 20th century. What is driving this new popularity, and why pickleball?

There are a few reasons pickleball has become so popular among young people, the first of which is that it requires very little equipment to play. You only need a pair of pickleball paddles, a nearby court (or portable net), and a ball. This low barrier of entry allows people to start playing easily without any sizeable monetary investment, opening it to a broad audience. Another reason it has become so popular is the low number of people needed to play. Like tennis, pickleball can be played singles or doubles, with two or four players. Wrangling a couple dozen people to play baseball or soccer can be quite an endeavor, but grabbing one friend to play pickleball is much easier and can be done on a whim. In our hectic lives with inconsistent hours, the ability to play pickleball without needing to align schedules is greatly appreciated.

Pickleball is also a great way to stay active, get outside, and see your friends in person; for all these reasons, it has become a popular social activity among a generation seeking reconnection away from the digital intermediary of the internet.

A Sport for the Older Generation

Pickleball is also an excellent sport for those looking to keep up their physical activity as they age into new life stages. While you may remember pickleball's original heyday, this new burst of popularity is a great excuse to get back in the game. Pickleball has retained popularity among the older demographic because of its low impact on joints. Playing pickleball doesn't send you flying across the court like tennis does; it's a gentler game that allows you to get cardio without putting too much strain on your body.

Pickleball can be a great source of socialization, which is good for brain health. As you age, it's essential to keep your body and brain active; exercise and social experiences are great for supporting your brain into your elder years![1] Another way to support your brain is through diet and supplementation; try our brain support supplements to help close potential nutrient gaps. For instance, our Choline Gummies provide 300 mg of Choline in two daily gummies to help support a healthy brain and nervous system function. Nature Made^® Lutein & Zeaxanthin Gummies support healthy brain processing speed and help protect your eyes from blue light!† 

Why It's Good for Everyone

Pickleball has quickly proven to appeal to every generation! Playing pickleball can contribute to an active lifestyle and help you find community! Here's why that's a good thing and how pickleball can help!

An Active Lifestyle

Keeping an active lifestyle is a great way to support your health at any age, but as we age, it can be challenging to find ways to stay active without putting too much strain on our bodies. Pickleball is a source of fun and exercise suitable for any age, and it can easily cross the boundaries of generations. Try inviting your child or your parent out to play a few games! Be sure to discuss any new physical activities with your health care practitioner before you start. 

Community

A sense of community is vital to our well-being. Any communal hobby can help you find a sense of community, so pick one you genuinely enjoy! Trying pickleball can introduce you to any other sports and hobbies that might suit your interest, so if pickleball isn't your game, you might find one you love! Due to pickleball's multigenerational nature, you'll meet people you might not otherwise, exposing yourself to perspectives and experiences that can enlighten you in unexpected ways.

Nature Made^®'s Pickleball Support

Whether you're young or old, a pickleball fanatic, or a newcomer who doesn't know a paddle from a racket, Nature Made^® has the supplement support you're looking for. Supporting your body with essential vitamins and nutrients, like Nature Made® High Absorption Magnesium Citrate, for nerve, muscle, bone, and heart health can help relax so you can have some fun. Nature Made^® is the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin and supplement brand.*^† 

*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 References

1. Harada CN, Natelson Love MC, Triebel KL. Normal cognitive aging. Clin Geriatr Med. 2013;29(4):737-752. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2013.07.002