Science proves that pickleball is the sport that helps people live longer

If you still think that pickleball is just a "high-end square dance" for the elderly to socialize, then you may need to re-examine this sport. According to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, this popular racket sport that is almost addictive in the United States has been confirmed by scientists: it can not only enhance physical strength and improve cognitive ability, but also extend life.

Does that sound a bit exaggerated? Let’s break it down.

Pickleball, a guide to "saving lives"?
According to published research data, people who play pickleball have a nearly 50% lower risk of death than those who do not. And the most effective thing is not running or swimming, but racket sports.

Dan Buettner, a well-known longevity researcher, believes that sports such as tennis and badminton can add at least 6 to 9 years to your life. What about pickleball? "Pickleball is even more powerful," Buettner said, "because it is not only a racket sport, but also super social, easy to play, and almost everyone can participate."

You might be thinking: this is only for seniors? You’d be wrong again. Buettner’s point is that “you can play every day and not get hurt easily.” Unlike basketball, where you have to rely on explosive power, or gymnastics, where you lift weights alone, pickleball is a game of back and forth, laughter, and you can unknowingly strengthen your body while playing.

Not only moving, but also thinking
When we play pickleball, we often encounter this situation: the opponent suddenly hits a diagonal lob in front of the net, and you have to instantly judge whether to volley or return the lob; or a quick lob at the edge of the NVZ, the footwork, wrist, and eyes must be activated synchronously.

This "body + brain synergy" exercise mode is one of the most respected anti-aging methods in the medical field, because it combines aerobic exercise with coordination and balance, allowing your body and brain to get a comprehensive exercise.

"The movement on the treadmill is basically one-way, but pickleball switches between multiple directions and multiple rhythms, which takes exercise to a whole new level," said Heather Milton, an exercise physiologist at the New York University Langone Sports Center. "This multi-dimensional movement pattern can effectively improve your agility, muscle endurance and hand-eye coordination."

Research from the American Medical Center shows that physical activity, especially activities that involve strategy, reaction, and quick thinking, can slow cognitive decline by 30%.

In other words, what you are hitting is not the ball, but the pause button of cognitive decline.

Friends circle + health circle, create together
Another point is often underestimated, that is - the power of social interaction.

There is a magic in pickleball: you walk into the court for two minutes and you can start chatting with strangers; after playing two games, you become friends who you'll meet again next time. This kind of social connection is like vitamin C in terms of mental health, which can significantly reduce stress levels, relieve chronic inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health.

If you are also a "ball fanatic", you must understand the sense of tacit understanding on the court. Sometimes, a glance and a good cooperation can make the relationship with the "right partner" more sincere than that of old friends.

What you invest in is not just your interest, but your "life value"
Next time you pick up the racket and prepare to play, don't forget: you are not just swinging a few times to sweat, but fighting aging, prolonging youth, and patching up your future.

So instead of saying, "I play for fun," you can now say, "I play to prolong my life."