Walking down the road one evening, I found myself smiling at messages from new friends asking how I was. Meanwhile, I was wondering who might fancy a trip to the Royal Opera House.
It struck me that taking up pickleball had brought rather more into my life than exercise.
Had I stumbled into a Blue Zone?
Blue Zones are places, including parts of Sardinia and Okinawa, studied for their unusually long-lived populations. Healthy food, everyday movement, a sense of purpose and strong social connections are among the ingredients associated with them.
Hayling already has the sea, the island setting and the Isle of Wight on the horizon. Could Seacourt be quietly supplying a few more ingredients?
I took up pickleball at 60, having never played a racket sport in my life. Other women in our group started at 62 and 69. Some have transferred from other racket sports and are playing fantastic games well into their seventies.
We laugh, joke and run around the court as though we’re twenty years younger.
Admittedly, we don’t always get to the net. But we have plenty of enthusiasm for the journey.
What interests me is how naturally exercise and friendship have become intertwined. You turn up because there’s a game to play and people you’re looking forward to seeing. You concentrate, learn something, miss something spectacularly, and laugh together. Then you book another session.
And the friendships carry on beyond the court. There are messages checking in, plans for outings and people to share an idea with. Suddenly, “Does anyone fancy going to the opera?” has an audience. I can’t promise any of us will reach 100. I can say that learning something new has made my world bigger, busier and considerably more entertaining.
So, has Seacourt created its own little Blue Zone by accident?
Come and find out. Contact Seacourt reception on 023 9246 6122 and ask about trying pickleball.
You might come for a game and leave with a rather fuller diary.
