Pickleball, Tai Chi and Everyday Movement: Staying Active Your Way

· 5 min read

Aging Wildly: Ikigai and Kaizen Principles for an Unstoppable Life After 60, by Anne Jensen.

Buy Anne's book on Amazon · About the book

Ask ten people over 60 how they stay active and you might get ten different answers. One plays pickleball three mornings a week. One does tai chi in the park. One walks the dog, tends a garden and takes the stairs whenever she can. All of them are on the right track.

Staying active later in life is not about chasing the fitness goals you had at 35. It is about keeping your body ready for the life you want to live: carrying groceries, playing with grandchildren, getting up from the floor, traveling, and moving through your day with confidence.

In Aging Wildly, Anne Jensen describes the first Aging Wildly event, which was held at a pickleball center instead of a quiet convention hall. The choice says a lot. Movement creates energy, and energy creates connection. The next event in the series takes that idea further with a theme called Unstoppable, focused on senior fitness and activity.

Why Movement Matters More Than Ever

Regular activity helps with strength, balance, flexibility, mood and sleep. It also supports independence, which is something most of us care about deeply. The stronger your legs and core are, the easier it is to keep doing everyday things on your own terms.

Movement is also social. A class, a court or a walking group gives you a reason to leave the house and a few familiar faces to look forward to. If you have been feeling a little isolated, our post on beating loneliness after 60 shares more ideas for staying connected.

Pickleball: The Game Everyone Is Talking About

Pickleball has exploded in popularity among older adults, and it is easy to see why. The court is smaller than a tennis court, the paddle is light, and the ball moves slower. Most people can learn the basics in a single session.

It is also one of the friendliest sports around. Many courts run open play, where you simply show up, put your paddle in line and get mixed into a game. You will meet new people almost by accident.

  • Look for beginner clinics or lessons at local recreation centers, community centers or dedicated pickleball facilities.
  • Borrow a paddle before you buy one. Many groups keep loaners for newcomers.
  • Wear court shoes with good side support. Running shoes are not built for quick side-to-side steps.
  • Warm up first, stay hydrated, and take breaks. At Colorado Springs altitude, you may tire faster than you expect.

Tai Chi: Slow, Steady and Surprisingly Powerful

Tai chi is a gentle practice from China built on slow, flowing movements and steady breathing. It can look easy from the outside, but it asks a lot of your balance, focus and leg strength. Many older adults find it calming, and it is widely recommended as a way to work on balance.

Because tai chi is low impact, it can be a good fit if your joints are sore or you are coming back from a long break. Many classes can be adapted for people who need to sit or hold a chair for support.

  • Check with senior centers, recreation centers, libraries and faith communities for beginner classes.
  • Try a few sessions before deciding. The movements start to feel natural with practice.
  • If a class is not available nearby, look for beginner videos made for older adults and practice near a sturdy chair.

Everyday Movement Counts, Too

Not everyone wants a sport or a class, and that is fine. Some of the most active people never set foot in a gym. They simply build movement into ordinary life. Our post on Blue Zones lessons for everyday life looks at how natural movement fits into long, connected lives.

  • Walk after meals, even for ten minutes.
  • Garden, sweep the porch or wash the car.
  • Dance in the kitchen while dinner cooks.
  • Stand up and stretch during every TV commercial break.
  • Park a little farther from the door when the weather is good.
  • Swim or try water exercise, which is easy on the joints.

Start Where You Are

The biggest mistake is waiting until you feel ready. You don't need to be fit to start moving. You start moving to become fit. The idea of kaizen, which Anne Jensen explores in Aging Wildly, is about getting a little better every day through small steps. A ten-minute walk is a small step. So is one beginner class.

If you like that approach, read more in our post on kaizen: small steps for seniors.

Stay Safe While You Stay Active

A few common-sense habits help you keep moving for the long haul:

  • Talk with your doctor before starting a new activity, especially if you have heart, lung, joint or balance concerns.
  • Ask a physical therapist for help if pain or a past injury is holding you back. They can suggest safe ways to build strength.
  • Go slow at first. Build time and effort gradually over weeks, not days.
  • Drink water often. Colorado's dry air and high altitude can dehydrate you quickly.
  • Pay attention to warning signs like chest pain, dizziness or unusual shortness of breath, and stop right away if they happen.

Make It Yours

The best activity is the one you will actually do. If you love competition, try pickleball. If you crave calm, try tai chi. If you want company, join a walking group. If you prefer solitude, walk a quiet trail with a podcast. There is no wrong answer, only the one that fits you.

Movement is not a chore to check off. It is one of the ways you keep saying yes to the life you want.

Your Kaizen Steps This Week

  • Take one ten-minute walk on three different days this week.
  • Find one beginner pickleball, tai chi or exercise class nearby and write down when it meets.
  • Invite one friend or neighbor to move with you, whether it is a walk, a class or a game.

Aging Wildly: Ikigai and Kaizen Principles for an Unstoppable Life After 60, by Anne Jensen.

Buy Anne's book on Amazon · About the book

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