Getting involved is as simple as picking up a paddle and wanting to have a good time

June 28, 2023

If you’re a senior and like playing table tennis, the Oak Ridge Senior Center has a program that offers plenty of exercise, social activity, and fun.

Most senior adults played Ping-Pong growing up, but lost touch with the sport over the years. There’s no better time to renew your interest, because Ping-Pong offers several benefits that are especially important for seniors.

Physical health

Ping-Pong’s fast-paced play will get your joints and muscles moving, build your eye-hand coordination, and improve your aerobic fitness. It’s a low-impact form of exercise that puts a premium on decision-making and balance.

Linh Le, 66, who plays both at the Oak Ridge and Karns senior centers, reported that table tennis helped him lose weight, improve his eye-hand coordination, and lower his blood pressure.

He explained, “After each play, I feel hungry and tired, my legs are sore but full of energy. I am sleeping better now than I used to be.”

Bob Rundle, 93, plays regularly in Oak Ridge.

“I consider Ping-Pong an essential part of remaining healthy,” he said. “Even with the exercise classes I get here (Commonwealth Senior Living), I still find myself getting a little breathless after a few games of doubles. This tells me I need more of it.”

Social Interaction

Bob played Ping-Pong in Knoxville before moving to Oak Ridge a few years ago. In both places he enjoyed meeting new people.

“The friendly rivalries provide strong bonding which is important for all of us,” he said. “I think Ping-Pong is not only great for physical health but for the sense of belonging it can bring, particularly if played with a group.”

The Oak Ridge Senior Center emphasizes doubles play, making it easy to get to know people. By playing an hour of doubles, a player normally teams or competes with 6-8 people.

For Linh Le, the social interaction is as important as the physical benefits. “I really encourage all people above 60 to try this sport for a few sessions to see how they feel…playing, laughing, and socializing with new friends are priceless.”

Cognitive health

Bob has researched the cognitive benefits of playing table tennis, and found plenty of evidence for its benefits. He suggests a starting point: “If you search online under ‘cognitive benefits of Ping-Pong’ you will find lots of studies showing how effective it can be for our brains. Dr. Daniel Amen, the noted psychiatrist on brain function, states clearly that Ping-Pong is the best sport for keeping our brains sharp. It requires us to constantly make split-second decisions about things like the speed, direction and spin of a ball coming at us and about how and where to return it.

“Playing doubles is even more demanding since it also involves decisions about where to move to let your partner have a good chance to return the next ball. We can get all these benefits while having fun.”

Easy to start

The Oak Ridge Senior Center holds group play three times weekly and another table is always available in the recreation room. There is no charge for playing, and paddles and balls are provided. All adults 50 and older are eligible.

Tuesday is the longest day. Players gather at the recreation room table as early as 12:30 p.m. If desired, a Ping-Pong robot is set up by 2 p.m., allowing players to practice their skills, while experienced players can offer coaching. Additional tables are set up between 2:30 and 3, and play continues until 6:30 p.m.

Friday has a mix of singles and doubles play from 2-4 p.m., although players often gather at the recreation room table by 1 o’clock.

Saturday play runs from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This is a good opportunity for those who may work during the week.

All levels of play

The Oak Ridge Senior Center offers opportunities for players of all levels. Beginners enjoy singles, doubles, robot training, and coaching sessions. More-experienced players can take part in tournaments, league play, and Senior Olympics. There is frequent crossover play with other Ping-Pong groups at the Karns Senior Center and Kingston Community Center.

Staying connected

Players on the group’s contact list receive email updates three times weekly with information about closings, special events, and health updates of players. Each report includes pictures of the session, along with player names to help everyone get acquainted. The group held a get-together in December.

Get started

If you would like to become a part of the Oak Ridge Senior Center’s Ping-Pong group, visit the center at 1405 Oak Ridge Turnpike or call 865-425-3999. If you enjoy playing, want to improve your fitness, like to socialize, or just have fun, the Oak Ridge Senior Center is the place for you.