We feel young again.
Not only do we have fun playing ping pong but it helps us with our balance and hand-eye coordination. We love it!

What did you do for fun as a kid? Before Netflix, video games, and TikTok, all the neighborhood kids used to get together in someone’s basement and play ping pong. It was fun — lots of laughs, lots of crazy shots, and lots of great memories made. Fast forward 70 years to today, and the Lions Gate Ping Pong Club brings just as much fun to the table — lots of laughs, lots of crazy shots, and lots of NEW memories made.

“I may be 102 years old, but I can still play ping pong,” said resident Susan Graham. “It feels great to play such a physical game. I’m up and moving and having a ball!”

Two years ago, a few residents asked if Lions Gate would offer ping pong. What a terrific idea! The Ping Pong Club now meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am in Commons Hall.

“Ping pong is like pickleball for seniors,” said Dave Correa, Lions Gate Fitness Instructor. “It’s a great way to get moving while minimizing the risk of injuries or falls.” As you get older, the foundation for long-term good health is balance. How do you improve your balance? Ping pong! As you play, you constantly shift your weight from foot to foot, reaching with your arms to return the volley. That improves critical balance skills.

“Ping pong really takes you back. It’s so relaxing,” said resident Judith Cohen, age 85. “I’m proud that I can still keep up. And it’s a good workout, too.”

That’s true! Ping pong is a good whole-body workout that gets your heart pumping. It’s also great for improving eye-hand coordination.

Resident Len Feldman, age 89, has been a Ping Pong Club regular since the beginning. “I like the exercise,” said Len. “I don’t care if I win or lose. Lots of nice people come to play.”

Socialization is so important for good mental health. The Ping Pong Club has slowly grown from just a couple of players to a good-sized group of regulars.

“I haven’t played ping pong in probably 50 years,” said resident Marty Raffner. “I started playing here three months ago. I may not be as good as I used to be, but my skills are improving each week.”

Resident Gary Birne, age 83, agrees. “I even have my own paddle,” Gary laughed. “Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we have to act it. Playing ping pong is a good time!”

You’re never too old to enjoy a good old-fashioned game of ping pong!