Creating effective tennis programs for adults over 50 by Anne Davis, MA

Remember the tennis boom of the 1970s and ’80s, when it seemed like everyone was playing the sport? Well, tennis appears to be experiencing a new surge in growth. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, tennis is the only traditional participation sport in which participation grew from 2000 to 2005—a 10.3% increase. All other traditional sports declined in participation.

Are today’s Baby Boomers, who were part of the first tennis boom, contributing to this growth? A 2006 participation survey by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) shows that one in four frequent players is over age 50.2 (Frequent players are those who play tennis 21 or more times a year.) Why do these individuals play so much? Because tennis is fun, beneficial to health, and thanks to new technology, both easier to play and less stressful on the body. For these reasons, effective tennis programs can promote active aging, helping wellness-focused facilities and communities to attract and serve the age 50-plus adult.