Retiree values ‘joints over points’ in fun contest

Retires interested in staying active take to the badminton courts.

SOCIAL SPORT: Badminton players, Francoise Jewell, Lyn Jacobs and Joanne Wheeler are ready to hit the court at Nambour. Picture: Warren Lynam

FROM a flick shot to a kill shot this group of retirees has not let their age stop them from enjoying a game of badminton.

Eighteen 50 to 70 year olds enjoy $5 social games at the Nambour Badminton Club every Monday from 9 to 11.

Badminton organiser Francoise Jewell said the game provided exercise and a chance to socialise in a comfortable environment.

“It’s certainly exercise, we do run around and there are a variety of players,” she said.

“We’ve got some very good players and we’ve got some beginners so it’s open for everybody like that.

“But there is sitting down in-between games and that chatty conversation.

“I think as you get older some people have social interaction at home and some live home alone, like I do, so it’s very nice to catch up with people.”

Regular attendee Joanne Wheeler said playing with the group of over 50s gave her the opportunity to play the game in a comfortable environment.

“It helps socially. I think if there were a lot of younger players, I would probably feel like I’m too old for the game, but they don’t make me feel that way,” she said.

After playing for five years Ms Wheeler said she was aware of her limits.

“I had a fall earlier on in the piece, when I was running backwards so I don’t try for those shots anymore, it’s not worth it, I value joints over points,” she said.

Ms Jewell said joining in could also provide far-reaching health benefits.

“At the moment there is heaps of research going on about dementia and they know that mental stimulation from social and physical activities are two key elements of trying to keep that at bay,” she said.

Ms Wheeler said she wanted to get “out and about” for as long as she could and found badminton the perfect way to do it.

“I find walking boring. I do a bit of indoor jogging just to get the heart and lungs going but I find that boring too and this is not. I don’t have time to play more than once a week, but I’d like to.”

The Buderim resident said the fun, exercise and the friendships were the best part about the games and she would love to welcome more players.

“It’s a lovely, lovely game. It’s fun and it doesn’t have to be too energetic,” she said.

“I would say don’t hesitate, come give us a try, come and watch, come and play and join us.”