PHOTO BY JOAN AZEKA

What Do You Think?

Should Older Adults Engage in Competitive Sports? 

Consider the pros and cons of older adults playing competitive sports, then decide.

(Requa, Eric. “Commonsense Tips for Preventing Injuries in Aging Athletes.” Virtua Health. 27 Feb. 2020)

(“Competitive Sports Can Be Healthy at All Ages.” McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. 3 Nov. 2021)

Some say

Competitive sports:

• Stimulate additional neurotransmitters, which is good for cognition 
• Get competitively-minded older people excited
• Increase endurance in the face of pain
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Build friendships with other athletes

Some say

• OK if low-impact with low injury risk (lawn bowling, croquet, walking soccer, water sports, etc.)
• OK if a doctor agrees sport is okay for your health status

Some argue

• Contact sports present a higher risk of broken bones due to the likelihood of falls and collisions.
• Activities such as tennis, softball, baseball, and golf increase the risk of soft tissue shoulder injuries.
• Physical changes as we age increase the risk of sports injuries:
  1. Loss of elasticity in tendons and ligaments reduces flexibility and range of motion
  2. Loss of bone mass increases the risk of fractures
  3. Reduced heart, lung, and nervous system function affects athletic performance
  4. Loss of cartilage results in less cushioning in the joints
  5. Deterioration of balance increases the risk of accidental falls

What Do You Think?