Why do so many adults stop playing sports?
There’s no denying the many benefits of playing an individual or team sport for kids. From improved mental health and reducing stress to making friends, developing skills, and staying active, there are so many good things about sport and activity for our children.
But how often do you make time for sports for yourself? The truth is, when it comes to our own participation in sports, most adults tend to be more comfortable sitting on the bench.
According to a study out of Harvard, in which 2,056 adults were interviewed, “the majority of those who had played sports when they were younger no longer did, with a significant drop-off coming after age 26.” Both gender and tax bracket were seen to be important factors in the drop-off rates. Overuse injuries were also identified as a significant reason for why people stopped playing sports.
Another study suggested that the main reason for adults’ drop-out included lack of appropriate playing opportunities, competing priorities, and low priority from sporting organizations.
And while these are valid reasons, when you consider what we’re willing to do for our children to be active, it’s worth it to make the same investment in ourselves, and in doing so, set an example for our kids.
Why it’s important for adults to play sports
According to the World Health Organization, for adults, being active helps to prevent and manage issues, “such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhances brain health, and can improve overall well-being.”
When we’re active and around others, it’s also a good opportunity to meet new people–something that gets harder as we get older. And with meeting new people, comes the opportunity to make new friends and expand social circles.
Not to mention, it’s always a good idea to take time for yourself to be physically active, and to let your kids see. It’s an excellent way to model the behaviour you’d like to see in your children.
What are some good sports to play as adults?
As adults we often tell children to do something because it’s good for them, but what if we thought like kids and just focused on having fun? With that in mind, trying a new sport—whether it’s rock climbing, ultimate frisbee or learning to play soccer—is a great way to stay active, meet new people, develop skills, and have a lot of fun along the way.
Here are some great sports for adults to play.
Team sports:
Basketball: The focus on teamwork makes it a good option for anyone looking to meet new people and to work on new skills.
Softball: There are many recreational adult leagues for players of all skill levels, making this a fun option in the summer.
Pickleball: Everyone seems to be talking about pickleball! It’s a fast-growing sport that’s easy to learn and fun for all ages and skill levels. Here’s more about it.
Volleyball: It can be indoors or outdoors, on the beach or on a court, making it versatile for whatever you’re looking for.
Ultimate frisbee: This fast-paced sport is a ton of fun, and emphasizes teamwork. You can even play it with your kids!
Bowling: This is a social sport that can be enjoyed at any age.
Individual sports:
Racquetball: This is a great high-energy option. You can play solo, but it’s always more fun with a partner!
Tennis: Like racquetball, this is a great sport that’s high-energy. It helps with agility, strength, hand-eye coordination and flexibility–all important skills to work on as we get older!
Golf: A classic sport for adults that’s perfect for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. And if you’d like to do it with your little one, here are some great tips.
Cycling: This is always a great workout that can be enjoyed at your own speed. Plus, it’s fun solo, or with your family! Here are some tips on how to make family cycling more fun.
Swimming: Ideal for any fitness level, this low-impact activity is available both indoors and outdoors, making it a great year-round activity.
Hiking: This is an easy, low-impact way to stay active and explore nature. You can even do it with your toddlers!
Whether you’re trying a new sport or mastering an old one, savour how it makes you feel, and then share that with your children. It’s never too late to get active, move your body and do something new or different!
Editor’s note: A version of this article was originally published on December 9, 2015.
My perspective as a 56 year old woman is this . I grew up in a poor country with no sports for girls and only took up sports when I was in my 30s as that’s when I earned enough to afford sports . I see kids now as spoiled . Parents are putting everything they have into ensuring that the kids are getting multiple opportunities. Adults are utterly disregarded as if children are all full of promise and adults are yesterday’s news !
I learned to ride in my 30s , to ski in my 40s and am now taking up
Pole dancing in my 50s
I am a solid intermediate rider , an an advanced alpine skier and a beginner pole dancer .. When you read articles about sports for older adults they are full of prejudice and outdated ideas – with the focus being on gentle exercise and suggestions for golf and pickleball and other low risk activities . I say bollocks to that – why can’t older adults do high risk sports – don’t assume we break easily. Don’t assume anything . Sports are for everyone and don’t patronize older adults . We are not all frail elderly folk . In fact a lot of us would be a lot less frail if we weren’t told to be careful and we given a chance to be out bad ass selves
Have a project to create new gender neutral sports for uninterrupted play during pandemics that low impact, low cost, allow different ages and genders to be on the same team. It can be done. Do an internet search for: New Gender Neutral Sports That Keeps Players Separate. These sports would help society with emotional , physical, and economic well-being.