Some of us have a hard enough time getting off the couch on any particular day. Others understand the significant boost to health and well-being that exercise can provide, especially if we abide by the expert recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week. Then there are others who not only want to engage in exercise but find purpose and excitement in pursuing exercise and sport as part of a team. And for them, that desire to engage in team sports does not diminish with time, no matter their age or physical condition.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science entitled Reasons why older adults play sport: A systematic review, participating in a team sport can be an essential component of healthy aging, providing physical and mental health benefits, along with companionship, purpose and even travel opportunities. In fact, according to a recent article on the AARP website, the camaraderie and motivation to stay physically fit (even during the pandemic!) are rewarding in and of themselves, let alone the excitement of winning and championships. No one is particularly concerned with playing at an “elite” level by the time you reach an older age, but nonetheless, the participation itself can be enjoyable and engaging, no matter what level you play at. If you find yourself with some interest in exploring this further, there are many associations you can contact to find out what’s available in your area, such as the International Senior Softball Association of the United States Tennis Association Senior International Competition.

As one example of “girls just having fun,” – while playing basketball in their later years- consider the North Charleston Senior Women’s Hoop Team, profiled in this recent article. With a mix of college “hall of fame” athletes and ordinary older enthusiasts, this team of 9 women ages 50-71 will represent South Carolina in the upcoming competition of the National Senior Games, an organization founded in 1987 that now sponsors biennial competitions for men and women over 50 in 20 different sports. Their competitions are the largest multisports event for seniors in the world, and these North Charleston women will be there to demonstrate that their offense is sharp, their defense is tough, but mostly, they are there “just to have a good time.”

And for those of you who are team players and ready to re-engage now that you are vaccinated, The Washington Post recently suggested a few steps you may want to take to get ready. Among their tips? Give yourself lots of time to get back in shape- at least 2 months, to build up your fitness, and endurance. Also, make sure to keep up the hydration and brush up on your mental fitness as well. They even recommend a daily practice of mindfulness meditation to get your head back in the game! And more generally, the reasons to engage in competitive sport? To give yourself purpose, challenge and even longevity, something that will surely up all our games!