Both racket sports are beneficial for health and longevity
Racket sports such as tennis and pickleball are increasingly being interested in thanks to their ability to improve cardiovascular health, enhance reflexes and support mental health. These are all important factors related to a healthy aging process.
Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz - Medical Director of Verywell Health - said studies show that tennis is associated with longer lifespans in the group of regular players. However, he emphasized that pickleball is more accessible to beginners, especially middle-aged and elderly.
According to him, both sports require players to continuously observe, calculate tactics and react quickly, thereby helping to stimulate cognitive activity of the brain. Pickleball has a faster pace and shorter rest time, requiring the body and brain to maintain a state of continuous activity, which is also beneficial for mental health.
Observational research also shows that regular tennis players have a longer lifespan than the less active group, partly due to high levels of cardiovascular activity and the ability to maintain muscle mass over time.
Pickleball is easier to access but also potentially risks injury
Although it brings many benefits, each sport has its own risks. Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz said that pickleball can cause injury due to sudden changes in direction, continuous stopping and acceleration, leading to muscle strain, sprains or even fractures in older adults.
A specific risk of pickleball is eye injury due to close proximity to the net and fast ball speed, so players are recommended to use safety glasses to reduce the risk of accidents.
Meanwhile, tennis often causes injuries due to repetitive movements such as elbow inflammation or shoulder pain due to serving movements. However, these are all controllable risks if you warm up properly and exercise appropriately for your physical condition.
Experts emphasize that no sport is "absolutely good" for longevity. The most important thing is still to maintain regular exercise, choose appropriate activities and ensure safety during training.
