In the world of sport, age is often seen as a barrier to performance. Yet some enthusiasts are proving that the pleasure of the game and the benefits of physical activity know no age limits. Such is the case of Ivan Pedley, a 92-year-old British ping-pong doyen, who continues to play with exemplary assiduity. At the same time, more and more studies are highlighting the beneficial effects of table tennis on the brain, particularly for people suffering from illnesses such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. Senior ping pong combines passion and cognitive well-being.
Ivan Pedley and table tennis: eight decades of passion
Ivan discovered table tennis at the age of 14, in 1947. After taking a break from the game in his twenties, he rediscovered it in the 60s, never to leave it again. Since then, he has trained regularly at his club, Great Wyrley Table Tennis Club, where he plays around 14 games a week.
Despite the weight of the years, Yvan continues to measure himself against players much younger than himself. He admits to having lost some of his speed, but certainly not his sharpness of mind! He makes up for his few shortcomings with impeccable technique and a strategy honed over the years. “You can be faster than me, but it’s all in the technique,” he jokes. He even spares his opponents when he feels like it: “I sometimes let them win, I don’t want to discourage them!”.
In addition to table tennis, Ivan has also practiced judo and karate, even going so far as to earn the rank of brown belt. For him, staying active is the key to good health: “There’s no point sitting around doing nothing. You’ve got to get moving, get involved and keep learning.
Ping Santé Guide : Ping Alzheimer and Ping-Parkinson
Senior ping-pong to bounce back from illness
Beyond sporting performance, table tennis is increasingly recognized for its cognitive health benefits, particularly for Alzheimer’s sufferers. This discipline, which stimulates hand-eye coordination, concentration and quick thinking, helps to slow cognitive decline. That’s why the France Alzheimer association and the Table Tennis Federation have entered into a partnership in 2019, with the aim of making the sport a scientifically recognized therapeutic practice for sufferers.
According to Sophia Benquet, neuro-psychologist at EHPAD Le Castel Saint Joseph (Normandy): “52 hours of physical activity over an average period of 6 months can even improve the speed of information processing…For many, practicing ping-pong is therefore a rejuvenating cure.”
Scientific studies aim to assess the impact of table tennis on patients’ cognition and well-being. In 2023, a joint study between the FFTT, France Alzheimer and the CHU de Montpellier has been launched to measure the effects of this activity on patients’ motivation and sociability.
Pierre-Louis Bernard, gerontologist and Doctor of Human Movement Sciences, explains: “Beyond testimonials, we need to objectivize the benefits of this sport on Alzheimer’s disease“.
Ping-pong has significant benefits for both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s sufferers. It stimulates the brain, improves spatial perception and strengthens nerve connections between limbs and brain.
Table tennis: a prescription sport
Fun and suitable for all ages, table tennis is increasingly considered a prescription sport. Its positive effects on the musculoskeletal system and cognitive functions make it an ideal activity for combating diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
The “Ping Santé” guide, designed by the FFTT Development Department, offers educational tools for supervisors. The manual includes targeted workshops to improve flexibility, balance, coordination and muscular strength. Distributed free of charge during training sessions, it helps clubs to set up suitable programs.
Professor Claire Paquet, a specialist in cognitive neurology, explains: “For them, it’s a real moment of joy, where they’re integrated with other people and, in fact, a lot of motor automatisms come back. The specificity of table tennis is that it stimulates all neuro-visual aspects, i.e. spatial orientation, coordination and speed.”
A source of inspiration for all generations
Ivan Pedley’s story and the benefits of table tennis for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients prove that this sport is a real source of motivation and hope. Whether it’s to keep fit at 92 or to improve the quality of life of sufferers, table tennis is an accessible and beneficial activity.
As Ivan reminds us: “Join a club, get involved and have fun!” An optimistic message that reminds us that the most important thing is not age, but passion and the desire to play.
Published by the Editorial Staff on