Whether you call it “table tennis”, “ping pong”, or “whiff whaff”, you surely have tried or at least heard of the sport. It’s one of the most popular sports on the planet and has tons of health and mental benefits on its players.
But, is table tennis a lifetime sport? One of the factors that make table tennis a remarkable game is that people of many ages can enjoy it.
Despite being a sport that requires some physical capabilities, it still depends mainly on technique rather than power, making it an excellent lifetime sport.
In today’s article, we’ll dive deeper into the timeless quality of this amazing sport. So without further ado, let’s hop in!
Table of Contents
Is Table Tennis a Lifetime Sport?
For a sport to be a lifetime one, participants of different ages must be able to partake in the sport, whether professionally or casually.
These sports include cycling, swimming, and other forms of exercise. Luckily, table tennis is one of the few sports that has the specific qualities needed to be enjoyed at any age, making it an excellent form of a lifetime sport.
5 Reasons Why Table Tennis is Great Lifetime Sport for Everyone
Now that you know that table tennis is a lifetime sport, it’s time to explore the factors that make it so:
1. The Game is No Contact and Low Impact
Some contact sports, such as boxing and wrestling can be extremely dangerous to specific age groups, such as seniors and kids.
high-Impact sports can also be problematic because they cause serious side effects in the long run that prevent the players from practicing them for a long time.
On the other hand, table tennis is a no-contact/impact game with little to no injuries sustained while playing, making it a safe sport for seniors and children.
2. Table Tennis Doesn’t Believe in Age Limitations
One of the coolest things about table tennis is that physical strength doesn’t marginally affect your performance.
It’s one of the few sports where people of different age ranges can play a fair friendly game against each other without having a noticeable edge due to age difference.
In fact, it’s not a rare scene to witness a senior or a young kid beat an adult in a table tennis game.
3. There Are Competitions for Various Age Ranges
If you want a sport to compete in for the long haul, table tennis is an excellent candidate.
The World Veterans Table Tennis Championships includes age ranges of 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85, in both singles and doubles!
4. The Sport’s Benefits Keep Their Value in Old Age
Table tennis has tons of health benefits for its players. For example, table tennis would benefit a young player significantly by enhancing their hand-brain coordination skills.
Also, table tennis can help an adult person to unwind and relieve the mind from daily stressors as well as acute pain!
The brain-stimulating benefits of table tennis would also boost the mental efficiency of a senior player without overtaxing their muscles and shoulders.
5. The Game is Highly Accessible Without Costing a lot of Money
Last but not least, if you’re going to enjoy a game for a lifetime, you might expect it to cost you a lot of money and resources to play it.
Although that’s the case with many other games, it’s surprisingly affordable to play table tennis. The equipment needed for the game aren’t costly, and they’re readily available in various places. All you need is, a bat, and a table, and you’re ready to go!
Here’s an in-depth look at pros and cons of playing table tennis.
What is the Minimum Age for Playing Table Tennis?
Kids as young as 4 or 5 years old can hold a bat and start playing table tennis. However, most professionals believe that the age of 6 is the best time to learn how to play.
Can You Start Playing Table Tennis at Old Age?
The simplicity of the game basics makes it a fairly simple game to learn no matter how old you are. You’re never too old or to start playing!
Wrap Up
Whether you’re old or young, a man or a woman, experienced or a beginner, table tennis has a place for you.
The game surely is a lifetime sport that everyone can enjoy. Table tennis is beneficial for the young because it can help them improve their motor skills and enhance their brain/muscle coordination.
It’s also an excellent stress reliever and helps in preserving brain health even at old age!