Pickleball Serving Smiles in Lakewood: As the sport of pickleball rapidly gains traction across the U.S., one group of dedicated players in Lakewood, Colorado, is putting a unique spin on the game. They’ve developed “simplified pickleball” to make it more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Their mission? Serving smiles, one match at a time.
The Origin of Simplified Pickleball
Recognizing the physical and cognitive benefits of pickleball, local players saw an opportunity to engage those with Alzheimer’s. The game helps improve reaction time, balance, and agility—skills that decline with age. Founder Chris Beal, a long-time pickleball enthusiast, noted that some older players struggled with the standard rules, which led to the creation of a simplified version of the game.
“We took all the complicated, confusing parts out of it, simplified it, if you will, and made it so that they didn’t feel so intimidated. It’s such a great activity because it works on reaction time, balance, and agility, and those are the three things all of us lose a little every day as we age.” – (beal)
Weekly Gatherings Build Community
The group meets weekly at the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center in Lakewood, where volunteers spend two hours playing with participants. The simplified version of pickleball is open to anyone who is mobile and has a caregiver with them. The only real requirement? Have fun.
For Beal and head volunteer Joanna Diers, this is about more than just physical activity. It’s about building connections and a sense of pickleball community.
“It’s the best thing. They’re so appreciative. And I love pickleball, obviously. It’s fun, but it’s just so good to see them happy and out in their own little zone having the best time. It’s very rewarding.” – (beal)
The Impact of Alzheimer’s and the Importance of Engagement
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that nearly 7 million people are living with the disease in the U.S., including 91,000 in Colorado alone. One of those individuals is Betty, a regular participant in the weekly sessions. Betty often plays alongside Diers, and the emotional connection to the pickleball game is evident.
“It makes me feel good. My mom was very active, and she got Alzheimer’s. She loved for me to take her out walking, and it brought her joy. It’s great for me to see that in other people.” – (diers)
For those involved, the physical benefits of simplified pickleball are clear, but the emotional and mental connections fostered by this weekly gathering are just as significant.
Looking for More Players
Though the group has been active for some time, participation dropped off during the pandemic, and they’re now hoping to recruit more players. Their goal is to continue expanding the community while providing joy to individuals fighting Alzheimer’s. The group meets every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with no experience or equipment required.
News in Brief: Pickleball Serving Smiles in Lakewood
A group of dedicated pickleball players in Lakewood, Colorado, has introduced “simplified pickleball” to engage people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Meeting weekly at the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center, the group focuses on physical activity, community, and joy.
Founder Chris Beal emphasizes the cognitive benefits, while volunteer Joanna Diers finds personal fulfillment in helping others stay active. As participation slowed after the pandemic, the group is looking to attract new players. No experience or equipment is needed, and the sessions run every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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