Volleyball with bunting? Sports adapted for elderly to improve health

Old age is often described as a second childhood, and now sports bodies are tapping into that sense of playfulness in later life to encourage more elderly people to exercise.

Although activities like volleyball and weightlifting may not seem obvious hobbies for pensioners, sports groups have rewritten their rules to get more older people involved.

In a project funded by Sport England, Volleyball England is now running classes where older people can play from their armchairs, using an inflatable ball, and nets made from bunting.

Likewise British Orienteering has altered its trails, so that they pass local landmarks or post boxes, to allow the elderly to take part without venturing too far afield.

British Weightlifting is also running modified sessions where pensioners are encouraged to lift water bottles and foam bars to keep up their strength.

Although the changes may appear infantilising, they have been greeted with enthusiasm by older people. Reenie Boot, 93, of Welwyn Garden City, said:“I absolutely loved it, so much fun and can’t wait for next time to get moving and laughing”

Sport England, which recently launched its Active Ageing fund to tackle inactivity in the over 55s said it was important to keep fit later in life to prevent illness.

Mike Diaper, Executive Director at Sport England said: “Being active is one of the most important things people can do to maintain health and wellbeing as they age.”

Peter Hart, CEO of British Orienteering added: “This is the first time we have adapted many of our introductory activities to work with inactive older adults.

“It’s my belief that orienteering can offer older adults a fantastic mix of physical and mental exercise by adapting the challenge to suit their abilities.”

The project is also hoping to tackle loneliness in the elderly. According to the Campaign To End Loneliness, around 17 per cent of older people see friends, family and neighbours less than once a week, while one in 10 go for a month at a time without seeing any loved ones.

A recent survey by the charity found that for two fifths of older people, around 3.9 million, view the television as their main source of company.

Gillian Harrison, Technical and Talent Coordinator at Volleyball England commented: “We are always keen for people to join the volleyball family because we know that everyone can get involved and benefit socially and physically - volleyball is the sport for everybody.

“Sitting Volleyball is one of the disciplines of volleyball which is already popular and a great chance for players with and without a disability to play together.”

Oomph! Wellness, the group behind the project, is now in talks with other national governing bodies to make more sports available to the elderly.