Age is Just a Number – Britain’s Oldest Tennis Player!
Tennis is a fantastic sport that’s growing in popularity. We’re seeing an increased interest in tennis courts and tennis court maintenance amongst our clients, and we think inspirations like 93-year-old Gordon Burdfield, who is proving that age is just a number and showing up competitors less than half his age with his impressive backhand, might well be a factor for the growing appreciation of the sport!Keeping fit
Hampshire resident and great-grandfather, Gordon, began playing tennis aged 13, keeping up the game for 8 decades, and only taking a small hiatus aged 17 when he enlisted in the Navy during World War II, in 1939. As well as continuing his practice three times a week, and even taking on extra sessions when he can, Gordon enjoys long walks and regular aerobic classes to keep himself in top shape.“Just keep moving!”
Gordon is a fan of healthy living and believes that everyone, regardless of age, should keep active, even confessing that he sneaks some extra cardio into his walks: ‘If no-one’s looking I break into a jog between lamp posts!’ As well as maintaining his physical strength and keeping the blood pumping, Gordon has a positive attitude towards food; ‘I believe in the maxim of eat less and live longer.’ With Gordon showing no signs of slowing down at age 93, we think it’s working! Of course, everyone loves an indulgence, and thanks to his efforts on the court, Gordon enjoys a guilt-free glass of wine in the evenings.The benefits of playing tennis
Gordon is not alone in improving his health through tennis, the benefits of the game are well known and can be extremely beneficial amongst any age group. Some of the benefits include:- Reducing the risk of death – Physician Ralph Paffenbarger conducted a 20 year study with over 10,000 people and found that participating in 3 hours of tennis a week cuts the risk of death, from any cause, in half
- Increased optimism and self-esteem
- Burns high levels of calories
- Increased leg strength
- Increased bone strength
- Increased flexibility