The 5 fastest growing recreational activities in Canada

Bet you can't guess what they are ...


Lists of reports on this page:

Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.


In the Comfort Life Spotlight


Everyone is well aware of the push by health advocators and the senior demographic to stay active throughout their retirement years. The question is though, what are the activities that are of interest to me personally? Here are the five top activities attracting participation across the country. 

1. Pickleball

A combination table tennis/badminton/tennis, pickleball began in the US in the summer of 1965 when three dads tried to set up a badminton set in the backyard but couldn't find a birdie. They had a wiffleball, so they called off the seach and used that, and pickleball was born. It's played by 2 or 4 poeple on a badminton or tennis court using solid plastic paddles and, you know, a ball.

Apparently the guys aren't quite sure where the name came from, and in later years disagreement ensued. Joel Prichard, one of the original three dads, said that it was named after the family dog, Pickles. His wife, Joan, disagreed. She said that the game "reminded me of the Pickle Boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats." She says that the dog came later, and was named after the game, not the other way around. I'm not making this up.

Joel--wife of Joan, founder of Pickleball, owner of Pickles--went on to become a member of the US house of representatives and, from there, 14th Lieutenant Governor of the state of Washington. In the UK naked Pickleball is catching on, though, if there is any justice in the world, that's exactly where it will stay. 

2. Golf

Already a popular sport amongst seniors, this sport continues to grow with not only more courses available to enjoy but more courses valuing their seniors and offering fantastic deals and packages for seniors to enjoy. Many active-living communities are located around or near golf courses, with the sport as well as the culture providing a draw. 

Many players are intersted in the technology, with new clubs and balls adding distance and precision to their games. Then again, there are those who graviate to the more traditional version of the sport. The Golf Historical Society of Canada (yup, there really is one) began in 1988 when four friends got together around an interest in the lore, legends, and the equipment used in the earlier days of the game. They felt that there must be other people who had similar interests, and they were right. Today they run a series of tounaments in southern Ontario each year, including the Hickory Classic in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Players wear funny clothes, loud socks, and play with wooden clubs. The events draw players from throghout North America. 

3. Zumba

Dance, cardiovascular fitness, and a fun name: Zumba was created by Columbian dancer, choreographer, and fitness guru Alberto "Beto" Perez in the 1990s. Like Pickball, this is an activity that was born in a moment of improvization. Perez was working as a fitness instructor in Columbia, and arrived at his class one day to find that he'd forgotted the aerobics music tape at home. So, he used the CD that he had been listening to in the car. Zumba was born! 

It combines the music and the moves of Latin dance with easy-to-follow moves. It's maybe also a little bit goofy, which for many is part of the attraction. Participation continues to grow, though it's been gangbusters for the last few years or so. The CD "Zumba Fitness Dance Party (Vol.1)" was released in 2012, and topped the pop charts in France and Switzerland in its first week of distribution. 

4. Prediction Events (walking, running, cycling, skating, Nordic skiing)

Prediction events allow participants to compete at their own skill level. Instead of a speed competition, participants indicate the time it will take them to complete the specified distance. The goal is to come as close as possible to the stated time. Which seems like a in invitation to cheeting, but for the most part people honour their commitment to fairness and good sportsmanship. 

And it's catching on. Numbers show that prediction events are growing faster than the timed trial events at the District and Regional Games and the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games.

5.   Volleyball

Not just a popular high school sport anymore! Volleyball continues to be played by those 55+, 65+ and 75+.  At the 2011 Ontario Winter 55+ Games there were over 180 participants and 22 teams, making it the 2nd largest event at the games, second only to hockey.  

The number one shrinking activity in Canada? Shuffleboard. 

Consult with active adult lifestyle communities below to learn what activities they offer. 

—by Glen Herbert
(with files from Matt Trinnear)

 

IN-DEPTH REPORTS
Active adult lifestyle retirement communities

Edgewood Suites  

270 Hagan Street East, Dundalk, Ontario, N0C 1B0

Welcome to Edgewood Suites in Dundalk Ontario. This brand new community featuring quality rental units, superior amenities and small town charm is open now and available for immediate occupancy.

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

Garden Ridge Adult Lifestyle Community  

330 Lakeview Drive, Woodstock, Ontario, N4T 0G9

Welcome to Garden Ridge Active 55+ Lifestyle Community in charming Woodstock! We offer freehold townhome bungalows which are fully finished with luxury features & finishes! Join our friendly & active community!

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

St. Elizabeth Village  

1 Yates Gate, Hamilton, Ontario, L9B 1T8

St. Elizabeth Village is a place where community comes first. The Village is set on an impressive 114-acre natural oasis of parks and ponds. Enjoy a non-stop slate of social activities in a vibrant, active lifestyle.

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

WaterView Estates by Estates of Niagara  

518 Queenston St, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7K6

WaterView Estates & Wellness Suites, offers a luxurious, vibrant Active Living community along the Welland Canal, steps from walk/bike trails, world class amenities and living options designed to create your best life!

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

The Meadows of Aurora  

440 William Graham Drive, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 1X5

The Meadows of Aurora is a Christian Seniors Lifestyle Community that promotes the wellbeing of individuals 65+. Residents experience nature’s green spaces, memorable dining experiences and great times with friends.

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

Royal Heights Inc.  

30 Adelaide Avenue East, Oshawa, Ontario, L1G 0B8

Royal Heights is designed with your active & independent lifestyle in mind. Luxury apartments feature en-suite laundry, stainless steel appliances & balconies. On site Fitness room, salt water pool, movie theatre & more!

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

Bruyère Village  

889 Hiawatha Park Road, Orleans, Ontario, K1C 0A9

Nestled in a unique community setting, Bruyère Village offers dedicated, motivated staff and a full range of support services. New apartments, new amenities, and located the the banks of the Ottawa River.

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

Stoneridge Estates by Estates of Niagara  

2626 Mewburn Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2J 0G4

Stoneridge Estates presents an upscale boutique property setting a new standard for a 55+ Active Lifestyle Community. Nestled in Niagara's Wine region, offering engaging amenities. Sure to make every day extraordinary!

Lifestyle Options: Active Living








Comfort Life is a division of Our Kids Media™ ©2002-2021   •   Disclaimer: Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the retirement care advertisers and is not warranted or guaranteecd by ComfortLife.ca or its associated websites.  •   See Terms and Conditions.

The Comfort Life eNewsletter

Sign up today to receive tips and advice on retirement living, retirement communities, home care and other services.

First Name:
Email:
Postal Code

Comfort Life

*Bonus: sign up and immediately receive a free digital edition of Comfort Life Retirement Living Guide

100 pages, featuring the top retirement communities and care with expert advice on choosing, financing and making the move.


TOP