Pickleball Addiction: It's Real, It's Hilarious, and It Has Health Benefits

As you know, I own Family Choices for Dementia, where I help families understand the care and costs associated with dementia as it progresses. My primary focus is on finding assisted living and memory care that meets their loved one's needs and is reputable.

Over the years, I've spent a lot of time with caregivers who often find themselves feeling depressed and isolated. One particular client stands out in my mind: a woman who moved her husband into memory care. While I knew he would be well taken care of, I worried about her. At only 70 years old, she suddenly found herself feeling empty, unsure of where to begin rebuilding her life.

I encouraged her to join a club, perhaps visit the senior center, and in passing, I mentioned my own addiction—pickleball. Months later, when I called to check in, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that she had taken my advice. She had looked into pickleball, started playing regularly, developed a social life, and even began going out for coffee with newfound friends. So, I thought I would share this craze about pickleball and my addiction, along with the health benefits it brings

The Morning Madness

My day starts like a fire drill. I leap out of bed like my house is on fire, but really, it's just the burning desire to check TeamReach and see who's playing. I can't be the dreaded number five at 7 AM, sitting on the sidelines, so I sprint to my car. Most days, my Lulu shirt is inside out, my shoes are untied, and I'm clutching my coffee like it's a life raft.

Court Chaos

I hit the court at 7 AM, adrenaline pumping. I've got two solid hours before work, and between games, I'm frantically checking work emails or running to the car to answer calls. The court is filled with laughter and maybe a few stray pickleballs hitting unsuspecting shins.

The "One More Game" Trap

By 10 AM, it's time to go. But wait! Here comes that one person who just showed up and says, "Please, just one more game!" I try to be strong, but they hit me with those puppy dog eyes. "Fine," I say, "but just one more." Next thing I know, it's 9:30 AM, and I'm running late. But hey, best two out of three, right?

The Work Hustle

I finally finish and dash home to get ready for my first appointment. My hair looks like it survived a wind tunnel, I opt for the classic Irish shower (hello, deodorant!), and I zoom off feeling refreshed and focused. Until my phone lights up: "Hey, anyone want to play at 4 PM?"

The Afternoon Decision

Hmm... Skip lunch, take the back roads to avoid traffic, and make it back to the court? Absolutely. The addiction kicks in, and I'm back on the court before I know it.

The Evening Conundrum

It's 96 degrees and hot as Haiti, and it's 5 PM. Everyone's texting their spouses, wondering how many more games they can squeeze in before they need to go home and cook or be present for dinner. Family first (after 5 PM), right? I get that text and head to the car, but then—yep, there's that PB player who pulls me back onto the court like an anchor.

Well, I guess I could have worse addictions.

For Those Who've Never Played

Get out there! If you are concerned about how to get started, contact a club or ask someone who plays. Pickleball doesn’t exclude—be prepared, though, to meet new friends. In my case, it's about competitiveness and laughing, which I do daily with the groups I play with. It's not just on the pickleball court but the friendships on and off the court. Of course, if you've been sedentary or have health issues, it's important to check in with your physician first.

Health Benefits

Exercise, such as pickleball, can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, which in turn helps boost brain health. The heart pumps blood (oxygen and nutrients) to your brain and body. Exercise can lower blood pressure, strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and agility, help control weight, and more. Regular exercise can strengthen cognitive function and areas of the brain that enhance brain plasticity, prevent brain tissue loss, improve/maintain long-term memory, regulate emotions, and improve self-controlled decision-making. Exercise boosts levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is needed for brain cell functioning and growth. It also stimulates neurogenesis, which is the birth of new neurons.

Although anyone that plays with me is constantly telling me to close the tabs and focus—oh, and remember the score! Not many people remember the score. I'd love to see a clinical study on pickleball scorekeeping and why 90% can't remember it.

The social benefits are also significant. Pickleball creates cognitive challenges by working the short-term/working memory area of your brain through keeping track of the rules, the score, your position on the court, etc. Pickleball also requires hand-eye coordination, quick thinking, fast feet, and moving around the court in all directions. Developing hand-eye coordination is important in other areas of our lives, such as better reaction times, balance/coordination, fine motor skills, reading, writing, and tracking moving objects.

Exercise also helps stimulate mood-enhancing chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

The Family and Friends Dilemma

And what about your family and friends outside of pickleball? Try explaining to them why you haven't responded to texts or why you're too busy to grab a glass of wine after work. Even worse, when you're away for the weekend, the urge to leave New Hampshire at 6 AM on a Sunday just to be home in time to play is all too real. No exaggeration.

So, grab a paddle, hit the court, and join the fun! You might just find yourself addicted too.

A Note to Family, Friends, and Coworkers

It's real, this addiction—my lack of response is not personal. Sorry, I've got pickleball, but I love you