Pickle What?

In the Spring, while at a wedding, my cousin asked if I was playing pickleball yet. I hadn't because I still like to play tennis, especially on clay courts. But he did pique my interest enough to search around our local area and low-and-behold; it is very popular - even here in North Augusta.

As a matter of fact, our N.Augusta Rec Center was sponsoring a tournament in a couple of weeks. If you know me by now, that was an incentive to jump into the game fast. So, I bought a paddle a Walmart, not the cheapest but certainly not the expensive pro paddles sold online! I started learning the rules and I even found someone who would provide me one lesson in time for the tourney.

On tourney day, the main thing I noticed was that nearly everyone was my age or older (me being 61), but I recognized the environment - one of being very competitive but fun and cordial. I had registered for the novice ladder, of course, but that didn't keep me from getting spanked. Pickleball is quite different from tennis! But it is structured so that older people can enjoy an athletic and competitive game.

Recently, UnitedHealth Group's observation of increased healthcare system utilization has raised concerns among insurers, as the reasons behind this trend were initially unclear. However, the financial experts at UBS recently put forth an intriguing hypothesis that sheds light on the matter. According to UBS, the rising rates of healthcare utilization could be attributed to injuries sustained while playing pickleball and people who want to keep their body going in order to play.

UBS calculated that the game’s surging popularity—among seniors, in particular—will contribute $377 million in medical costs this year for procedures like hip replacements and knee surgeries.

Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and has been experiencing a significant surge in popularity, particularly among seniors. As more individuals, especially older adults, engage in this recreational activity, these costs are expected to rise.

Seniors, who are already more susceptible to certain health issues and injuries, are particularly drawn to the sport due to its relatively low impact and the social aspects it offers. However, while pickleball is generally considered a low-risk activity, the repetitive motions involved and the potential for sudden movements can lead to accidents and injuries, especially among those who may already have pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions.

The projected $377 million in medical costs serves as a wake-up call for insurers and healthcare providers, signaling the need to be prepared for the potential influx of patients seeking treatment for pickleball-related injuries. This unexpected trend emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring and analyzing societal changes, such as the popularity of specific recreational activities, to anticipate the impact they may have on the healthcare system.

This may involve a multi-faceted approach, including promoting injury prevention measures, conducting research on pickleball-related injuries, and tailoring healthcare services to meet the needs of an aging population engaged in this activity. Through proactive measures and targeted interventions, healthcare providers and insurers can adapt to the changing landscape and provide the necessary care for individuals participating in this popular recreational sport.

Since my fourteen-year-old son has been home for the summer, we have been playing daily at the indoor courts of our rec center. We are having great fun learning the game together.

Let us know if you have started playing the game and how well you enjoy it.