Tennis at any age

Instead of just watching Wimbledon this summer, why not be inspired and head for your local court? We find out how being active could increase our chances of winning game, set and match against cancer.

Tennis is a popular spectator sport in the UK. Last year, 475,000 people braved the unpredictable British weather to visit the Wimbledon Championships and 13.1 million viewers tuned in for the men’s final.

So is it a sport that we could be playing as well as watching, and can it be played by all ages? WCRF UK visited Wycombe House Tennis Club near Osterley Park, West London, and discovered that tennis truly is a ‘game for life’.

A social game

“Tennis is a social game you can play all your life,” Mavis Wake, 80, says. “I learnt at school, but I didn’t keep it up when I was busy with the children. Then, when I retired, I started playing again.”

Other members of the senior group had never picked up a tennis racket before retirement. Pat Emmerson, 73, has only been playing tennis for about eight years, but her age didn’t stop her learning a new sport.

“I felt hopeless to start with, but you soon get better. I started playing with a friend, another beginner, in the local park. When I joined this group I found it really welcoming. As long as you play to your own potential, you won’t hurt yourself, whatever your age.”

Joining a tennis group can also be a great way to make friends. “The social side is good,” says Mavis. “We have coffee between the games, and we get together for theatre trips and meals.”

Good for health and wellbeing

The group shows the benefits that physical activity like tennis can bring to health. The members stick to games of doubles during their sessions because, while it is still active, players don’t have to run so far or put too much pressure on their joints. Tennis improves health and wellbeing by

• Increasing general fitness
• Reducing body fat
• Building strength in muscles
• Increasing reaction times.

WCRF UK research has shown that being physically active for 30 minutes each day can reduce your risk of cancer.

Another group member, Ben Storkey, 75, was active all his life as Head of PE at a secondary school. He used to coach tennis regularly, but had less time for the game himself. Since retiring, he has played tennis three times a week.

“I have had two hip replacements and heart problems, but it doesn’t stop me playing,” says Ben. “Friends often joke that they don’t believe there is a group here, most of us over seventy, still playing tennis, but why not?”

To find out more about keeping fit by playing tennis contact your local club or visit the LTA's website, or find out more about veteran tennis.