Is Bowling Good For Seniors?
As you get older, you may be looking for a leisure activity that will allow you socialize with family and friends, or just to relax and de-stress.
Bowling is one of the best ways to accomplish all that and much more. But don’t just take my word for it. Try it for yourself so you can be certain.
Check out these statistics that bust the common myth that bowling is only for kids and younger individuals:
There are more than 1 million bowlers over the age of 60 in the U.S.
The 90 year olds refer to bowling as their forever sport to date despite being older.
91-year-old bowler,Ray Bianchi (member of the Pekin association bowling hall of fame), said that his best bowling years were during his 50s and 60s.
Benefits Of Bowling For Seniors
It doesn’t take much to see how much fun bowling can be. It’s a sport for everyone, both young and old, no matter the skill level. It’s physical, it’s fun, and it’s social.
What’s not to love?
Bowling is an increasingly popular sport and for those with a keen eye or those who can strike the pins with precision. It’s a sport that can be competitive at times but for the most part it is a fun sport.
It’s a great distraction to ease off the pressures of life at any age. You don’t have to be a pro bowler to enjoy this sport. In fact, a regular trip to the bowling lanes can be a great way to spend time with your loved ones.
If you’re a senior bowling player, you want to ensure that you stay healthy by being sure to stay active. For seniors, regular exercise is more than just a way to stay fit. It plays a key role in overall quality of life and can have a positive effect on the health of your heart.
Also, remember that mental exercises are just as good for your body as physical ones. As such, if you love bowling, it’s a sport that you should make time for.
Bowling Form For Seniors
There are many seniors that want to learn how to bowl. Here are some basics that you should know before starting out:
You will not be able to spin a ball like the professionals but you do not need to. Just toss the ball with the strength and form that comes naturally without forcing your muscles. You will get the desired results. Always remain to keep bowling simple and not the strain your hand and back muscles too much.
You need to start by investing in the right bowling ball for you. You may have to play around with a few bowling balls before you settle on the bowling ball that is best for you.
To ensure that you do not slip on the lanes while bowling, purchase a pair of good bowling shoes. Bowling shoes that offer traction and those that have been broken in will do wonders for you.
If you are a beginner bowler, ensure that you hold the ball correctly before you aim for the pins. Sometimes you may want to ask for support with the holding of the ball before you start bowling.
Before engaging in the sport, make sure to stretch your bones. Stretching makes you flexible too.
When you start to bowl, your first step is vital. Do not start from a standing position. Begin with a sliding step as you step into the ball.
Carefully take one step closer to the lane as you swing your leg around the ball. The lead leg should follow the bowling ball into the swing. You will need to keep your upper body steady and straight as you swing the arm into it.
Here is another informational tip: You’re not going to be able to get a strike even with the perfect ball time after time. It’s okay! That is the fun of the game. Just keep trying.
Best Bowling Ball For Seniors
You may see that when you purchase a new bowling ball best suited for you, you tend to bowl well during your first few visits to the bowling lanes. Eventually, you ability to get a perfect strike may seem to fade. Have you noticed how much oil there is on the bowling lanes?
Your bowling ball will get oily and dirty and a dirty bowling ball is far less effective than a clean bowling ball. If you are taking up bowling as a hobby during your retirement, invest in a bowling ball spinner or bowling ball cleaners as well.
The more invested you are in this new found hobby, the more enjoyment you will derieve from it.
It took me a while to find my feet in the bowling lane but after failed attempts at getting a strike even with the "right ball", I understand now that while the ball is important, the way you control the ball is just as vital. Ball control comes with time and with patience.
Closing Thoughts
Bowling is one of the oldest sports in the world. In fact, ancient Egyptians would bowl using rock as ball to knock down various objects. Bowling, however, still remains a sport that can be played and enjoyed by men, women, and kids alike.
Although there have been many innovations in the sport, at its very core, bowling remains a sport which consists of small challenges and big rewards. Therefore it is a sport loved by elder citizens too.
I’m sure you would have guessed that the game of golf revolves around the golf ball. Did you know that just like golf, bowling is a sport that revolves around the bowling ball?
In this sport, you have to grasp and control a ball (sometimes larger than you), using your own weight and balance to roll the ball towards a target. The game is all about having a sense of control.
When you are a beginner bowler, it is really important to note that it is not about how your bowling ball is designed, but how you control it. You need to ensure that you feel comfortable holding your bowling ball.
With time, you will learn to settle into the correct stance, and learn exactly how to balance your weight in order to hit the target. You need to keep the ball as close to your chest as possible. You will also need to use your knees to support your upper body.
Keep your body in proper alignment and your bowling arm, elbow, and wrist should find the perfect balance. You need to be conscious of the fact that you are bowling a ball that can be quite huge but you should not let that thought get the better of you.