Prime Living: 'Pickleball for Parkinson's' proves popular in Aiken
Dec. 21—GRANITEVILLE — Parkinson's disease and pickleball are common denominators for several people who meet each week in gym of Hillview Baptist Church, with emphasis on minimizing the physical, mental and social problems associated with the disease.
Hillview member Nelson Swartzentruber, 78, was diagnosed with Parkinson's about eight years ago, and now uses pickleball to help others and himself. His outreach began in early November.
"It's gone exactly how I hoped," he said. "There's a little bit more of a response than I originally thought we would have this early in the game."
"Matter of fact, we have 11 attendees that are very prompt most of the time. Realizing we're in the Christmas season, some of them have a lot more other things that need to get done," he added, noting that the Dec. 14 session drew only six players. "Even six is a nice number to work with."
The church, with a new, squeaky-clean gymnasium to offer, is making the facility available most Monday and Wednesday mornings for the pickleball players and their boosters.
Clinics are open to anyone with Parkinson's, essential tremors or other movement disorders, according to Swartzentruber, and sessions, under normal circumstances, run from 10-11 a.m.
Three nets are set up, meaning that up to 12 people can play at a time. Basic equipment — paddle — is provided, if needed, and participation is free.
"It's a cross between tennis and badminton, because it's fast-paced and yet it's better ... for an older person," said Robert Dunagan, who has Parkinson's. "We can keep up, and it's real good for Parkinson's, I think. It keeps you limber and that kind of thing."
Signs and symptoms of Parkinson's, as described by the Mayo Clinic, include tremors, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, slowed movement, speech changes, writing changes and loss of automatic movements.
Dunagan, a longtime Hillview member, gave the pickleball gatherings a thumbs-up review.
"I think I can tell a difference. I'm not going to stop. I did all the sessions, and a few people forget about coming, or don't come, but I'm going to stay with it, because it helps me stay limber," he said.
"I wholly recommend it, especially to any older person that wants to socialize and get some exercise," Dunagan said. "Nelson has been a real joy to work with. He's helped us out a lot, because he's experienced. I certainly give him the credit."
Overcrowding, he added, is not an issue. "The more the merrier. We've got a big gym. We can accommodate more people. Plus, it's a social event. You get to meet people from different churches."
The facilities are a hit with Dunagan. "We've got a very nice gym that we just built and it's real nice. It's brand-new and the building beside it's brand-new. We've been blessed with a good group of people. Especially some have come from other churches and that kind type of thing. We're doing something right here. God has blessed that church. I know that."
Swartzentruber reported positive feedback for the "pickleball for Parkinson's" effort.
"They're out. They're moving, and the mind has to work with the body. This is something that didn't even realize they could do," he said.
"Movement is the key to slowing down Parkinson's, and we know we're not going to stop it 100% ... Also, you use your mind to communicate to other people. The personal interaction with other people is very important, also."
For more information, call Swartzentruber at 864-980-7878 or email truber3066@gmail.com.
