ABSTRACT

This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the physical activity, social connections, and psychological well-being of seniors who participate in the sport of pickleball. A total of 36 pickleball players who were over the age of 65 completed an online survey that assessed pickleball participation, social connections, physical/mental health, loneliness, and life satisfaction measures in February/March 2020 (pre-COVID) and again in November 2020 (during COVID). Findings indicated that a majority of the participants are still playing pickleball outdoors, but less frequently. They reported lower social connections through pickleball and in their daily life. While perceived physical health scores were stable, participants reported significantly lower mental health, higher loneliness, and lower life satisfaction during the pandemic. Those playing less pickleball were significantly more likely to report lower life satisfaction during the pandemic. The findings from this study have implications for both leisure practitioners and public health professionals as they strategize ways to continue to offer recreation experiences safely.

摘要

这项研究调查了 COVID-19 大流行如何改变了参加匹克球运动的老年人的身体活动、社会关系和心理健康。共有 36 名 65 岁以上的匹克球员完成了一项在线调查，该调查评估了 2020 年 2 月/2020 年 2 月/2020 年 3 月（COVID 之前）和 11 月再次评估了匹克球参与度、社交关系、身体/心理健康、孤独感和生活满意度指标2020 年（在 COVID 期间）。调查结果表明，大多数参与者仍在户外玩泡菜球，但频率较低。他们报告说，通过泡菜球和日常生活中的社交关系较低。虽然感知的身体健康评分稳定，但参与者报告说，在大流行期间，心理健康状况明显较差，孤独感较高，生活满意度较低。在大流行期间，那些不怎么玩泡菜的人更有可能报告较低的生活满意度。这项研究的结果对休闲从业者和公共卫生专业人员都有影响，因为他们制定了继续安全提供娱乐体验的策略。