6 Senior-Friendly Games to Play On Your Multi-Sport Athletic Court

The National Institute of Aging recommends that seniors engage in various physical activities to stay healthy. While seniors may not necessarily engage in sports as they could as younger adults, they can still participate in games and modified activities to accommodate their age. 

If you or a family member has a multi-sport athletic court or are considering building one, there are many games you can play that are senior-friendly to help your loved one stay healthy and active.

1. Pickleball

Pickleball is a low-impact sport that is easy to learn. It’s a great sport for seniors as the court is smaller than a tennis court and doesn’t require as much movement. Pickleball is played with a paddle and a perforated ball, which makes it a little slower and easier to play. Seniors can benefit from playing regular pickleball games by increasing their balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health. 

2. Walking Basketball

Walking basketball is essentially basketball with no running or jumping. It’s an easier game for seniors to play, and the pace can be slowed down to accommodate their physical abilities. You can also lower the hoop heights and use lighter balls to make it more accessible. Walking basketball helps improve flexibility, strength, and teamwork. 

3. Modified Tennis

If your loved ones already know how to play tennis, then modifying tennis slightly can help keep the game accessible for them as they age. Using a softer ball and smaller court dimensions can make it easier for them to keep playing. 

Walking tennis or doubles play makes it easier on the joints as they do not have to make quick, sudden movements. In addition, there are adaptive rackets that can help those with grip strength issues. Like pickleball, modified or walking tennis can help with balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health. 

4. Chair Volleyball

If you can lower your volleyball net or use a pickleball or tennis net, you can play a modified version of volleyball called chair volleyball. This is great for seniors with mobility challenges who want to participate. 

Each player is seated around on either side of the net, and instead of a volleyball, you can use a lighter beach ball. The game is played as usual, as the players serve and bounce the ball back and forth to each other. This is a great game for social engagement and upper body movement and strength. 

5. Bocce Ball

Bocce ball is a great, senior-friendly game. It requires rolling balls towards a target (the pallino), and encourages gentle movement and strategic thinking. It can be played on a flat court, in the grass, or on a backyard bocce ball court. 

6. Modified Badminton

Badminton is a good sport for seniors, as it can be modified for slower play. Using a larger shuttlecock can slow the game down and make it easier on those with mobility challenges. You can also lower the net and only use underhand serves. This game encourages gentle movement and hand-eye coordination. 

Build Your Multi-Sport Athletic Court with C&C Courts

For over 30 years, C&C Courts has helped bring joy and healthy activity to families across Wisconsin by building premier athletic courts. From conception to the final product, our design and build team will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you are completely satisfied with our work. 

We have honed our process to a straightforward, streamlined process that you will love. With an athletic court in your backyard, you can boost your property value, get more exercise, and engage with your friends and community. 

For more information, call us at 414-431-8665 or request a free quote online!