Chair Volleyball and Our Two Students Activity Interns/Volunteers

 Chair Volleyball is a highly popular and inclusive activity in many senior living communities across the United States and beyond. It's a fun, social, and low-impact sport designed especially for older adults, including those with limited mobility.

---

🏐 What is Chair Volleyball?

Chair volleyball is essentially regular volleyball played while seated. The core rules are adapted to suit seniors:

• Players sit in chairs (usually in a circle or across a net).

• A lightweight beach ball or balloon is used instead of a regulation volleyball.

• A net (often around 5–6 feet tall) divides the teams.

• Standard volleyball rules are simplified for accessibility and safety.

• Games are typically played indoors in common areas like recreation or activity rooms.

---

❤️ Why Seniors Love It

1. Low-impact & Safe: Ideal for those with joint issues, arthritis, or mobility limitations.

2. Social Engagement: Encourages laughter, communication, and bonding.

3. Boosts Physical Activity: Improves upper-body strength, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination.

4. Mental Stimulation: Enhances alertness, memory, and quick decision-making.

5. Inclusive: Everyone can participate, even wheelchair users.

---

📈 How Popular is It?

Chair volleyball has become a staple in senior activity calendars. Its popularity is growing rapidly:

• Assisted Living Facilities, Memory Care Units, and Active Senior Communities often list chair volleyball among their top group activities.

• National organizations like the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) and senior wellness programs promote it.

• Facilities often host in-house tournaments or inter-community leagues.

• Many senior centers report high participation rates, sometimes with waiting lists or scheduled rotations due to demand.

Some facilities even get creative with themes, team uniforms, or music, making it a festive weekly event. We had A Chair Volleyball Mini Olympic Tournament last year here at THD.  

---

🧠 Health Benefits Backed by Experts

Studies and geriatric wellness experts highlight the benefits of chair volleyball in:

• Improving mood and reducing depression in older adults

• Combating isolation, especially post-pandemic

• Encouraging routine physical movement, which supports cardiovascular and muscular health

---

📌 Final Thoughts

Chair volleyball is more than just a game—it’s a vehicle for connection, movement, and joy. It helps seniors feel engaged, empowered, and part of a community, which is why it continues to gain popularity across senior living environments.

---

I asked my reliable and smart writing Assistant to write a blog post on Chair Volleyball. Here it is for your reading pleasure.  Here at THD we have chair Volleyball every Thursday morning every week and  every Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month. The Thursday scheduling was the result of my suggestion to Our Activity Personnel based from several request from a number of Our THD residents. 

2. 🏐 Sit, Serve, Smile: The Joy of Chair Volleyball in Senior Living

In senior living communities across the country, one activity is creating laughter-filled rooms, friendly rivalries, and a sense of belonging like no other: Chair Volleyball.

Far from your typical seated activity, chair volleyball combines movement, teamwork, and lots of fun, making it a favorite among older adults—regardless of physical ability or athletic background.

---

What is Chair Volleyball?

Chair Volleyball is exactly what it sounds like: volleyball played while sitting down. It uses a light beach ball or balloon and a lowered net, allowing players to pass, spike, and serve—right from their chairs.

This clever twist on a classic sport brings the thrill of the game without the strain. It’s perfect for those with mobility concerns, joint sensitivity, or anyone just looking to have a good time while staying active.

---

Why Seniors Love It ❤️

1. It’s Inclusive
Anyone can join—whether you use a walker, wheelchair, or just prefer a gentler form of exercise. Everyone plays together, side-by-side.

2. It’s Active, But Gentle
Upper-body movement, quick reflexes, and light cardio all come into play. It keeps the body moving without putting stress on knees or hips.

3. It Builds Community
Laughter is guaranteed. Teammates become friends, and games often turn into weekly highlights with cheers, inside jokes, and shared memories.

4. It Boosts Mood
Engaging in this playful competition can help reduce feelings of loneliness, increase endorphins, and even improve cognitive focus.

---

Health Benefits That Make a Difference

Studies show that regular participation in group activities like chair volleyball can:

• Improve mental alertness

• Enhance hand-eye coordination

• Increase social connection

• Reduce stress and depression

• Encourage a routine for physical movement

---

How to Get Involved

Whether you're a lifelong athlete or new to group games, Chair Volleyball is open to everyone. Just show up, sit down, and join in the fun. Your activities director or wellness coordinator can help you find the next scheduled game.

And don’t worry—no volleyball skills required. The only thing you need is a willingness to play and a good sense of humor.

---

Final Serve: More Than a Game

Chair volleyball is proof that age doesn’t bench your spirit. It's not just about scoring points—it's about staying connected, active, and joyful.

So grab a seat, stretch your arms, and get ready to serve up some fun. We'll see you at the next game!

💜Cory- with his half Smile 

💚Ronan is 17 years old and will start his Senior year this Fall at Monte Vista High School.  He plan to study business or hospitality Management in College. His Dream Job is to be a Private Chef. Ronan believes that his volunteering here at THD can add value to his resume for his college application. He is a grandson of one of our neighbors here at THD, Marilyn Dillman    

💜Cory is also 17 years old and the same class with Ronan at Monte Vista High School. They are best friends. In his free time, he like to play basketball and video games. Moreover, he loves hiking in several mountain trails in the area.   

Please don't forget to say Hello to our student interns if you see them in the Lobby. We really appreciate their help and enthusiasm. Ronan and Cory are assisting us on Tuesdays and Thursdays during our chair volleyball, corn hole and ladder ball games. Both are also here on Fridays during our Cocktail/Happy Hour. Their internship will end at the start of the school year this September.