At Play

Pictures and commentary on this page come from the Bairnsdale Keen-Agers Club which has operated since late 2001. They are typical of what happens in Keen-Agers table-tennis. Players range in age from about 60 through to their late 80's . Once established, a Keen-Agers club usually has a 50/50 male and female membership. Sessions are usually in the morning - twice a week. About one-third of the players will play twice a week (including school holidays). Other members choose their preferred day. Not having the obligations of teams and competition is an important consideration. Enjoyment and fun is the key.

The prototype Keen-Agers Club at Bairnsdale has attracted wide attention. The interest of VicHealth, community health services and professionals working in the field of falls prevention, as well as others, has been aroused by this unique program. We work closely with health promotion agencies and officers in a number of localities.

While many members are fully fit and in good health, quite a number have suffered major illnesses or surgery. This is no bar to enjoying social table-tennis. In a group of 20 or 30 players the games vary greatly in standards of speed and skill.

Most games are doubles, which means that players have to cover less court space. They have more time between shots. At Keen-Agers, stronger players encourage and sometimes coach the weaker ones. A set of doubles usually consists of the best of five (11 - point) games.

The players usually change partners for another set. Most often they will play three completes sets - taking from 20 minutes to half an hour. Doubles table-tennis like this is very social and lots of fun. If a player is distinctly less mobile (partially disabled) the others retrieve balls going out of court. Many a friendship is fostered in this enjoyable recreational context .

More likely that they're having a good laugh about the shot that went astray, or the "net " that won them the point.The first thing you notice as you enter a Keen-Agers playing area is the laughter.

Sessions run for about two hours with players taking time out for a social court-side cuppa - probably about 20 minutes. This session is at a local basketball court. Keen-Agers clubs function best with at least six playing tables. It means a group of some 25-30 people can be engaged (allowing for people resting, of course). Many stadiums which are fully engaged with younger sporting activities during evenings have unused courts during the mornings.

At the end of each set, players shake hands and thank one another for the enjoyment. The atmosphere at Keen-Agers table-tennis is entirely different from the competition version of the game. Older people can do without the stresses of having to win, for themselves or a team. At Keen-Agers you won't find someone at the other end of the table determined to "wipe the floor" with you.

Well, some people can have an argument about anything can't they? Keen-Agers isn't "heavy" about rules and regulations. Many a serve would not pass muster in competitive table-tennis. But as long as no one is being unpleasant, what does it matter?

With older people it's easy to hang on to old habits. Keen-Agers much prefer their players to use the modern 11 point game and the 40 mm ball. As a club develops, a number of players become very skilful and can get a bit over-competitive. If there is a local table tennis club we encourage them to join their competition. In a group at 30 or 40 recreational players sub-groups playing at around their own level tend to develop. So long as no one gets too exclusive the club retains a very good spirit. People enjoy playing there.

Some players prefer singles. They should not be forced to feel that they have to play doubles because there aren't enough tables. It is better to set up a couple more tables then you think you'll need - than to have people "sitting out" and getting frustrated. By the way, we don't need referees at Keen-Agers.

Keen-Agers table tennis attracts a wide range of personalities. Most men who join have played some table tennis before, either at home or at work . Many a lunch room boasted a table-tennis table didn't it ? but probably only 1 in 10 have actually played competition table-tennis. For the men it is usually a question of, "Will I look a fool?". They start off with , "I haven't played for 30 years." which in most cases is quite true.

Most ladies have never really played table tennis before. Most women of this generation entering retirement never did have much recreation time. Family, part-time work and all the rest of their responsibilities mean that most women joining have very little playing skill. But nearly everyone improves quickly - especially with encouragement and coaching in the basics of the game.

A Keen-Agers club is financially self-sustaining and run by volunteers. It's very simple to operate on a weekly basis. Players sign in a as they arrive, pay their fee and maybe something for a cuppa and start playing. The fees go to pay for court hire and equipment. In general, the men set up the tables to start. Ladies tend to look after the money. At around 11:15am the stadium which was buzzing with activity is silent. Everything's been put away in about 15 minutes. Volunteers are never in short supply.

These two play competition table tennis at a very high level. For older players who have been in competition for many years, Keen-Agers can provide an alternative or addition to the game they love

Table tennis really is a game for life. Most regular competition clubs find that their competition features even younger teenagers competing with players past 70 or 80 years of age.

Sometimes a player joins who is introduced by their carer or a care agency. They have some specific disability. Sometimes the carer comes along as a player as well. Others may be referred on from the rehabilitation program after heart surgery or other medical procedures. A number of general practitioners are using the Active Script programme to encourage patients in safe, enjoyable and helpful physical activity.

Occasionally a woman who has had no previous competition experience takes up Keen-Agers table tennis and progresses to competition in the local club. As we have developed our program we have come to appreciate that most retirees still have quite a long life expectancy. A variety of activities and interests is important. They may remain active members for 10 or 15 years.

A Keen-Agers session is a safe social environment where both men and women can enjoy each other's company. Keen-Agers is sometimes a new beginning for one recently bereaved. Being located at a community based stadium means also that appropriate assistance is at hand in case of an emergency.

Keen-Agers is conducted in association with Table Tennis Victoria with which our organisation is affiliated. Public risk insurance for our activity as well as the option (taken by nearly everyone) of personal accident cover are benefits of membership.

It is difficult to over-estimate the sense of security that people who have ongoing symptoms and difficulties resulting from strokes etc, experience in Keen-Agers. All participants are of a similar age group and have a good understanding of the problems and ailments that come to some of us. Mutual support, encouragement and good humour characterise the friendships which develop through the Keen-Agers program.

Nick hasn't taken up a new religion, but he has been involved with the Keen-Agers project since its inception. One of the benefits to local clubs is the influx of mature volunteer ability and wisdom.

In addition, the income generated through the Keen-Agers program can enable a club to upgrade equipment which is used by all of its members. Not all the tables at Bairnsdale are as high class as the one pictured. But our program has identified excellent equipment for club establishment.

While the day-to-day running of a Keen-Agers club is almost simplicity itself, establishing a new club requires some drive and persistence. A local steering group is usually the best way to go . Keen-Agers works in partnership with local government, health-related agencies, health support groups, and service clubs during the establishment period.

Whether there is a club in your locality or not, we at Keen-Agers are committed to helping local communities set up their own club. Our expertise as well as access to funding, works well with the enthusiasm and energy of local residents. We are most likely to develop clubs where there is evidence of interest. So e-mailing us can be one step toward new possibilities at a place near you.

How we play