Sir, – The European Veterans Table Tennis Championships 2022 is to be held in Rimini, Italy next June. Age categories include: 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90 plus.
Clearly table tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed at any age, and it has many advantages for older people in particular, including: the social dimension; physical activity; mental activity; develops reflexes; awakens competitive instincts; helps maintain mobility; zero risk.
All these are desirable for older people, so I’d like to see a table tennis table in every nursing home; there’s plenty of evidence to show it can bring huge physical and mental health benefits to those willing to give it a go. A good table and accessories can be bought for less than €600.
The potential benefits for care home residents surely merits such a modest investment. And, unlike other activities provided in care homes, this one is available all day, every day.
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– Yours, etc,
BILL POWER,
Tramore, Co Waterford.