How Pickleball Keeps Wesley Commons Residents Active, Connected, and Smiling
If you walk near the pickleball courts at Wesley Commonson almost any given morning, you will hear it before you see it. Friendlybanter and laughter echo across the court as paddles pop against bright yellowballs, partners cheer each other on and neighbors become friends, one game at atime.
Known affectionately as the "Super Seniors,"the Wesley Commons pickleball group has built a reputation for welcoming newplayers and proving that age is no match for enthusiasm. In true team fashion,many of the players wear jerseys with numbers that represent their age. The seniormember of the group, longtime Greenwood resident and now Wesley Commonsresident, Jack McDowell, proudly sports the highest number - 95. Jackserves as a reminder that staying active has no age limit.
Pickleball has become one of America's fastest growingsports, especially among older adults and it's easy to understand why.Combining elements of tennis and badminton, the game is easy to learn andadaptable for players of varying skill levels. More importantly, it encouragesmovement, social interaction and healthy competition, which are all essentialingredients for active aging.
At Wesley Commons, pickleball has become more than just arecreational activity, it has become part of the community's culture. “Ourresidents don't just come to play," says Claire Brannock, ActivityCoordinator at Wesley Commons. "They come to connect. The friendships thatare formed on the courts often continue over lunch, at community events, orwhile cheering each other on from the sidelines. That's what makes pickleballso special here."
The physical benefits are well documented. Since pickleballis played on a smaller court than tennis, it places less stress on joints whilestill providing excellent cardiovascular exercise. Regular play can improvebalance, coordination, flexibility, and endurance. The game also requires quickthinking and strategy, helping keep the mind as active as the body.
But ask the players themselves, and they'll likely tellyou the best benefit isn't exercise, it's the people. "You don't have tobe an athlete," says Bob Maschock, Wesley Commons Resident. "Everyoneencourages each other, whether you've been playing for years or it's your veryfirst game. It's amazing how quickly you become part of the group."
The fun doesn't stop with resident matches. Over theyears, the courts have also hosted a few friendly competitions betweenresidents and Wesley Commons staff members. While the staff always puts up agood fight, the residents have proudly claimed bragging rights more than once.Those lighthearted matches have become another way to strengthen relationshipsand showcase the playful spirit that makes the Wesley Commons community sospecial.
That welcoming atmosphere reflects the broader lifestylefound throughout Wesley Commons. Residents are encouraged to remain engaged,pursue new interests, and enjoy activities that promote lifelong wellness.Whether it's pickleball, fitness classes, gardening, volunteering, or lifelonglearning opportunities, the goal is the same; support residents in living lifeto the fullest.
As the popularity of pickleball continues to growthroughout Greenwood County, the courts at Wesley Commons remain a place wherecompetition takes a back seat to camaraderie. Wins are celebrated, mistakes arelaughed off, and everyone leaves feeling like they've spent time with friends.
After all, retirement isn't simply about slowing down.It's about having the freedom to spend your days doing the things you enjoywith people who make life richer. At Wesley Commons, sometimes all it takes isa paddle, a ball and a few good neighbors to remind us that the best games inlife are the ones we play together.
