Long walks and pickleball keep this inspirational senior healthy in mind and body.

Here's a look back at an article I published on June 2, 2023, about my interview and photo session with advocate, micro-influencer, and amazing senior, Karen Hysom.

In addition to walking six miles per day (three in the morning and three every evening), Karen Hysom enjoys playing pickleball as often as possible. The fast-paced, increasingly popular sport provides a fun and engaging way for seniors, like Karen, to stay mentally and physically active.

“When I was introduced to pickleball, I immediately found it to be a fun sport, great exercise and an opportunity to meet a delightful group of people of all ages who also love playing this sport,” said Hysom. “Courts are more widely available now so I would encourage anyone interested in pickleball to pick up a paddle and other players will gladly help you!”?

Pickleball is a low-impact sport that has gained tremendous popularity among seniors. It is gentle on the joints and a healthy way for seniors to stay mentally and physically active.?According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, one third of “core” pickleball players (those who play eight or more times a year) are over the age of 65.

The game is played on a court that is about half the size of a tennis court. In fact, the Christwood Community Center built one indoors with marking tape and a net in what is usually an exercise room. Pickleball provides a full body workout that can help seniors build strength, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular health -- combining several elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played with a paddle and a “wiffle ball” (plastic ball with holes); and as with tennis and ping-pong, matches can be played as singles or doubles.

Another health benefit for seniors that play pickleball is it requires quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination -- helping to improve balance and coordination. This can help seniors reduce their risk of falls and injuries off the pickleball court.

As you might expect, Karen is an extremely healthy senior who has appreciated the care provided by Ochsner physicians whenever the need presented itself.

“Over many years I have had wonderful experiences with Ochsner physicians, so it made sense to become a member of the Ochsner Health Plan,” said Hysom. “My research into the various plans available certainly supported this decision.”

Karen is a huge fan of Ochsner Health and now enjoys the many benefits provided by their new Medicare Advantage plan.

“I like being an Ochsner Health Plan member because the staff is so helpful with any questions I have had,” said Hysom. “In addition, both my prescription and specialist costs have decreased under this plan. And the Ochsner Health Plan Over-the-Counter allowance covers the cost of my vitamins and supplements.”

In the first quarter of 2023, Karen began serving on my Member Advisory Team. The group met every two to three months and providing valuable input for continuous quality improvement.

“I find being a participant in the OHP Advisory Team a rewarding and educational experience, said Hysom.?“I see firsthand all the excellent efforts going into making the Ochsner Health Plan become the leader in meeting the needs of its members.”

Photography of Karen Hysom by Ron Calamia .

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