What are the benefits of softball activities for the elderly?

　　In 1995 I was hospitalized for arthritis pain. Later, I continued to walk in parks, squares, and sports fields every day, and saw many people exercise There are people practicing martial arts, boxing, dancing, sword dancing, badminton, and some people are learning to play softball. I became interested in playing softball. It has a simple way of playing, soft movements, and is consistent with the elderly physiological characteristics. With the strong support of my husband, I bought a flexball racket and joined the ranks of playing flexball.

　　Through long-term and unremitting exercise, my softball skills have greatly improved, and I also participated in the softball competition organized by my unit. The benefits of softball are many. First of all, there are various playing styles. Playing soft ball is not limited by natural conditions such as venue, wind and rain. It can have routine performances and fancy playing styles for single and multiple players. At the same time, it is restricted by rules and can be competed. It is suitable for different enthusiasts to choose playing styles. Especially the elderly can adjust the amount of exercise and playing style according to their own physique. You can also form your own artistic characteristics as the ball flies up and down and your posture changes during the game. Second, the amount of exercise is appropriate. Playing softball requires less exercise than badminton, tennis, and table tennis, but it requires more exercise than playing Tai Chi, billiards, and goalball. The soft ball uses the racket to actively meet the ball, collect the ball into the racket, guide it in an arc, and use centrifugal force to throw the ball in a selected direction. During the exercise, there is no explosive force in the action of catching and throwing the ball, and the entire movement stretches slowly, which will not damage the joint muscles. Third, it has a strong fitness effect. Long-term and unremitting exercise can achieve the health-care effects of strengthening the body, relieving pain, and extending life. It can also cultivate sentiment and cultivate moral character in a subtle way.

　　I used to be a joint sufferer. Over the years, soft ball exercise has brought me great benefits. My arthritis has gradually improved, especially frozen shoulder, bone hyperplasia in the spine, etc. Now the symptoms have disappeared and I can move freely.

　　Patients suffering from arthritis, especially frozen shoulder, may wish to practice softball like me!