I almost cried during the tribute to Billy Jean King at the U.S. Open this fall. She looked so good, and her enthusiasm and love of the game were a sight to behold.
Research tells us that people who play tennis throughout their lifetime retain a high level of fitness. Admit it. You don't see too many over-weight tennis players on the courts. Yes, in answer to you questions, there are National Championships for Seniors, just in case you are still driven by the fires of competition.
Why are so many seniors playing tennis? Baby Boomer's are reaching their sixties this year, and they are making up the fastest growing segment of the tennis playing population. Tennis is a low impact sport that appeals to both men and women. People are retiring earlier and remaining active longer. The new, larger tennis rackets are kinder to older joints and make it easier to play well. Tennis is easy on the body but still gives a good aerobic and anaerobic workout.
Dust off your racket or buy a new one if it has been awhile since you have played. Sign up for some lessons, find someone at your own level (or a little better if they don't mind). You don't have to run down every ball (just bending over to pick up the balls is a workout), and if you are reasonably good the ball will come back to you.
Playing doubles is a little less physical if you aren't quite ready for singles yet. The exhilaration of playing and winning is a real corker! The operative word is that you are PLAYING and doing something good for your body at the same time.
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