Why Pickleball

Creating an age-friendly Minnesota is important to the health of our aging community.  Social isolation and loneliness are important issues for this age group.  The Central MN Council on Aging and Age Friendly Minnesota are among the groups studying this issue and developing a roadmap at a local level to address this issue.  In particular developing a foundation for Social Engagement is key to their conceptual model.   The Pandemic brought these issues to life for society to understand.  Data shows the impact of these issues is significant to health and economic well being.

Social Isolation is an objective lack of social contact with others.

Loneliness is the subjective perception of feeling lonely – of not having another person(s) with whom to have meaningful connection(s).

Social Connection is an umbrella term that encompasses aspects of how individuals connect to one another.

The National Health and Aging Trends Study (2020) noted that 24% of community dwelling adults aged 65+ were socially isolated and 4% severely socially isolated.

A 2012 study further indicated that 43% of adults 60+ indicated feeling lonely, a majority of those indicated “often”.

An AARP 2018 study found 35% of adults 45+ indicated feeling lonely.

Kaiser Family Foundation 2018 study found that more than a fifth of adults (18+) say they often or always feel lonely or lack companionship.

In a local study Holt-Lunstad noted that loneliness has increased by 20-30% during the pandemic and the immediate effects of social isolation related to the pandemic have been observed in surges of health concerns, substance abuse, and domestic violence.  

In an April 2020 article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the following quote appeared, “Although she did not die directly as a result of the corona virus, she was absolutely a casualty of the pandemic.  The forced isolation and extreme loneliness resulting from the restrictions on visitors at her assisted living facility took her will to live””.  

 

Breanna Wheeler, MPA presented on “The Outside Possibility” September 28, 2023 at the Age Friendly MN Statewide Conference on Building Health, Wellness & Connection Through Time Together Outdoors.  Her central message is that even a few minutes outside reaps huge benefits including:

  • Decreases blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones
  • Facilitates social connectedness and bonds with others, feelings of empathy
  • Increases activity level that can enhance appetite and improve sleep.
  • Inspires awe and wonder and feeling connected to something greater than self
  • Improves balance and agility
  • Enhances vision (at all ages)
  • Stimulates vitamin D, bone growth, healing and immune function
  • Lessens anxiety and rumination
  • Reduces pain and swelling
  • Engages senses and soothes mind
  • Boosts creativity and self esteem
  • Fosters environmental awareness and stewardship

Looking at our local demographics there is evidence that the elderly, individuals living in poverty and veterans make up a substantial portion of our population that could benefit from greater time outdoors, and greater opportunities for socialization, and programs that promote health and wellness.

In 2024 Mound has a population of 8670 with a poverty rate of 7.64%.  Non whites represent just over 10% of the population.  10% of the population is either non-english speaking or english as a second language.  In 2024 there are 512 veterans living in Mound.  1743 of 7498 adults in the community are seniors.

In 2024 Long Lake has a population of 1602 with a poverty rate of 9.17%.  Non whites represent just over 15% of the population.  9.9% of the population is either non-english speaking or english as a second language.  In 2024 there are 53 veterans living in Long Lake.  299 of 1267 adults in the community are seniors.

In 2024 Orono has a population of 7959 with a poverty rate of 4.42%.  Non whites represent 4.24% of the population.  6.6% of the population is either non-english speaking or english as a second language.  In 2024 there are 269 veterans living in Orono.  805 of 4575 adults in the community are seniors.

In 2024 Delano has a population of 7275 with a poverty rate of 6.47%.  Non whites represent 12% of the population.  8% of the population is either non-english speaking or english as a second language.  In 2024 there are 252 veterans living in Delano.  1293 of 6026 adults in the community are seniors.

In conclusion, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America and for good reason.  Playing pickleball leaves you with a feel good about yourself and your community feeling.  As an outdoor activity the health and wellness benefits are immense.  And in a time when society needs social connections more than ever pickleball not only promotes togetherness, it promotes intergenerational interaction.  With a low to no cost to engage in the activity, and a drop in to play culture, pickleball promotes inclusivity across all socio economic, cultural and age groups. 

We hope you will join us in making the Master Plan a reality.

Every contribution counts!

We invite you to join in supporting the West Lakes Pickleball Project Here