Octogenarians on the Court

Heidi King and Constance VaughnThe USTA calls tennis the "sport of a lifetime," emphasizing that there's no upper age limit to enjoying it. And that’s clear about platform tennis as well.

Founded in 1896, Fox Meadow Tennis Club was the first paddle tennis club in the country, and while not as old as the club, some members have been enjoying the sports for decades, playing well into their eighties.

However, paddle tennis also known as platform tennis is not easy on the body. The wood court is hard on knees and the back, twisting, turning and pummeling the ball can cause injuries to tendons and pull muscles and players often fall and break limbs.

But none of that has stopped a dedicated group of 85 year-old plus racquets players from enjoying games several times a week at Fox Meadow Tennis Club, switching between tennis and paddle as the seasons change.

They are out in all conditions – undeterred by coldest days, wind and snow.

How have they managed to keep playing for decades beyond their peers?

We asked Gingie Green, Heidi King and Connie Vaughn, all members of Fox Meadow Tennis Club, for the secret to their longevity and here is what they shared.

Both Heidi and Gingie are lifelong racquets players. Heidi, who hails from Germany, learned to play tennis at a private club with a pro – as there were no public courts at the time.

Gingie learned to play tennis from her grandmother and mother at Century Tennis Club in her early teens. She went on to play for the Scarsdale High School tennis team in the 1950’s. She reports, “it was not so competitive in those days.”

Connie did not start to play tennis until she was in her late thirties where she learned with a few friends. She moved to Scarsdale in 1976 and joined Scarsdale Golf Club Gingie Greene and Jim Vernawhere she played mostly singles (tennis) because she was still working. In 1985 she also joined Fox Meadow Tennis Club and continued to play singles into her eighties.

Heidi says she “loves being outside and hitting the ball in the sweet spot of her racket.” She says, “tennis is an elegant, classy sport which I like.” Connie says, “I love the exercise, the competition and even the exhaustion after a long match.” And Gingie reports she likes the exercise, challenge, and being with friends.”

How to they avoid getting injured? Connie says, “I exercise pretty regularly and stretch before I play. I had shoulder replacement but never had a tennis injury. I also take lots of vitamins and drink very little.”

Heidi says, “I do try not to fall, but basically one is taking a chance I suppose, but I'm willing to take that chance because I love being outside and hitting the ball (but I don't like competition.) She added, “Playing is absolutely good for one's health. My blood pressure is always lower on days when I play!”

So what can we learn from these three? Drink less, play more and keep your fingers crossed that you have the good fortune to live a long and active life.