Pickleball Keeps 95-Year-Old Lois White Young at Heart

 

How Staying Active, Playing Sports, and a Lifetime of Learning Have Kept This Senior Thriving

At 95 years old, Lois White embodies the spirit of resilience, energy, and joy that defies expectations about aging. Twice a week, at New Century Fieldhouse in Gardener, she steps onto the pickleball court, proving that staying active is key to living a full life. Whether it's playing sports, making music, or dancing, White's busy schedule reflects her belief that movement is essential to keeping both body and mind sharp.

Twice a week in Gardener, Kansas, seniors gather to prove that age is just a number. At the heart of the action, Lois White, 95, takes to the pickleball courts with enthusiasm, holding her own against players decades younger. For White, pickleball is not just a sport but part of a lifelong commitment to staying active.

“I’m 95, and I’ll be 96 in January,” White says with a proud smile after another game at New Century Fieldhouse. Despite her age, White plays pickleball every week and remains a formidable opponent on the court.

Fellow players admire White for her agility and determination, noting that there’s little she can’t do. But pickleball is just one of many activities that keep White engaged. “On top of this, I play cards every week,” White shared. “I picked up square dancing. Then, I decided I wanted to play the mandolin, so I bought some books, and now I play and sing. I’m part of the pickers and fiddlers.”

White’s life is filled with activity, learning, and adventure. Married at 17, she and her husband raised six children, and their busy family life pulled her into recreational sports. “We always did what the kids wanted to do,” White recalls. “I’ve played basketball, football—you name it. My husband and I even had a softball team with our daughters for years.”

When White’s husband passed away more than 30 years ago, staying active became her way of coping and remaining sharp. She firmly believes that movement is the secret to her long, fulfilling life. “You need to keep moving; you don’t want to sit around,” White said. “I don’t sit in front of the television during the day.”

Along with being an athlete, Lois White is also a dancer and musician, staying connected to her six children, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Despite her children’s occasional suggestions to take it easy, White remains determined to live life on her terms.

“Yes, I do what I want. I’m very stubborn,” White admits with a laugh.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Lois White is out on the pickleball court, continuing to inspire those around her with her zest for life and unwavering spirit.

Summary:
Lois White, at 95 years old, is an inspiring example of how staying active can lead to a long and fulfilling life. Playing pickleball twice a week at New Century Fieldhouse in Gardener, Kansas, she competes with players of all ages, proving that age is no barrier to fitness or fun. White’s involvement in recreational sports began early as a mother of six, participating in basketball, football, and softball. After losing her husband, she continued to stay busy with various activities, including square dancing and playing the mandolin.

White’s philosophy is simple: keep moving. She believes that remaining physically and mentally active has been key to her sharpness and vitality. In addition to her athletic pursuits, she keeps up with her extensive family of 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Though her children sometimes suggest she slow down, White’s stubborn determination keeps her on the go, enjoying life to the fullest. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and an active lifestyle, age truly is just a number.