Ohio Social Sports introduces Pickleball to combat social isolation among Richland County seniors.

LEXINGTON — Ohio State Social Sports has launched a new initiative providing free pickleball lessons to seniors at the Lakewood Racquet Club in Lexington.

This community program is for seniors age 60 and older living in Richland County and aims to promote physical activity, social interaction and overall well-being.

Lessons are taught by experienced certified instructor Suzanne Bernstein, an IPTPA and PPT certified professional pickleball player based in Columbus.

Places filled within the first 24 hours, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist, please register to attend directly with Guy Alves.

This program is supported and funded by the Richland County Aging Services Levy, which is administered by the Ohio District 5 Agency on Aging.

The classes are a key part of Ohio Social Sports’ senior pickleball program, which aims to address the growing problem of social isolation among seniors by offering a fun and structured approach to physical fitness and social connection.

About the program

Older people are at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation due to factors such as living alone, loss of family or friends, chronic illness and hearing loss.

Recognizing the serious impact this can have on their mental and physical health, the Ohio District 5 Agency on Aging is providing grant funding through the Richland County Aging Services Levy.

These grants support programs that offer innovative and effective ways to bring older adults into groups and reduce social isolation.

“We are thrilled to offer such a high-quality program for seniors in Richland County,” said Guy Alves, owner and operator of Ohio State Social Sports. “Pickleball is a fun and easy to learn sport and a fantastic way to bring people together.

“I am honored to provide a place where seniors can stay active, connect with others, and experience the joy of learning something new. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their health and well-being.”

The Ohio Community Sports Senior Pickleball program addresses this need by offering weekly pickleball lessons, community events and tournaments. This program gives seniors a fun and supportive way to stay active and meet new people.

Research shows that regular exercise and social interaction improve health and mental well-being, especially in older adults. Pickleball, a low-impact and enjoyable sport, provides the ideal platform to achieve these goals.

The program will create a welcoming and inclusive environment in which seniors can form lasting friendships, share experiences and build a stronger sense of community.

By maintaining a consistent schedule of activities, participants will have regular opportunities to interact with peers and build strong social networks, helping to combat the detrimental effects of isolation.

About Social Sports in Ohio

Ohio State Social Sports strives to improve the physical and social lives of adults through athletic programs.

Offering a variety of sports leagues, tournaments and co-ed training programs, Ohio Social Sports promotes active living and community involvement.

For more information or to register, seniors can contact Guy Alves at [email protected], call/text 954-803-8655 or log in at www.ohiosocialsports.com

Note

The contents of this program are those of the grant recipient and do not necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the Richland County Administration on Aging, the Ohio Area 5 Agency on Aging, Inc., the Richland County Commissioners, or the United States Government. .