Imagine the sound of a ping pong ball soaring through the air, followed by the satisfying pop of contact.

At the North Oakland Senior Center, this familiar sound has become a source of joy, camaraderie, and hope for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. Every Wednesday afternoon, the North Oakland Senior Center (in collaboration with PDActive–an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Parkinson’s Disease through physical activity) hosts ping pong mixers for senior citizens in the community.

A few weeks ago, we had the immense privilege of observing one of these ping pong sessions, and got the chance to learn more about the program. Originally conceived by Joanne Ruby and her friend Deborah Harris, this activity is far more than it seems. After attending an international conference focused on Parkinson’s Disease, Ruby knew that she needed to bring ping pong back with her.

A Simple Game, Profound Impact

“In an area of playfulness and relaxation, there was ping pong.” As someone who played ping pong in different phases of life, to Joanne Ruby, the choice to start a ping pong activity was easy. In addition to being familiar for many participants, the smaller space required for games like ping pong and pickleball makes the activity far more accessible. “My understanding is that [we have this] neurodegenerative challenge. Things and activities that require us to [use quick thinking] turn out to [spur activity in the brain].”

More Than Just Exercise

When asked about the impact of the ping pong program, Ruby said, “What I see are people laughing and having a good time, and [people] who are [coming back week after week]. To me, those are positive impacts, because Parkinson’s tends to make people feel isolated and less likely to go out and about. [So] it allows for a certain joy [and] confidence each time.”

According to recent research at Northwestern’s School of Medicine, there has been a positive relationship shown between ping pong play and lessening Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. It can aid in dexterity, movement, and agility in the moment, and can even potentially help mitigate symptoms throughout the course of the day.

Building Connections and Finding Relief

Beyond the physical benefits, the ping pong program has also proven to be a valuable social outlet. Participants often mention the importance of connecting with others who understand their challenges. The program provides a safe and supportive environment where they can laugh, share stories, and build lasting friendships.

For Mike McKinnon, the ping pong group has been a priceless addition to his life. A long-term resident of Oakland, McKinnon is no stranger to the North Oakland Senior Center. He has enjoyed programming at the North Oakland Senior Center for years, mentioning that in addition to the ping program through PD Active, he has also participated in the Brain Fit cardio classes.

McKinnon’s favorite part of ping pong is simply playing. “[When you’re playing ping pong], you have freedom of movement–or much better movement than you have when you’re not playing–so it’s a relief. [It’s] a relief from the other side of Parkinson’s.” He enjoys the freedom he gets while playing, even if it’s only temporary, and also enjoys the community that he can find in fellow people with Parkinson’s.

Gary Robinson, another long term resident of Oakland, mirrors the same sentiment, stating that “[The group offers] good camaraderie and friendship, and everybody really tries to play at the level they’re at.” He loves the open-play dynamic, something that Ruby echoed, where everyone is welcome to play regardless of their skill set. Some players are seasoned veterans, while others are new to the sport, but all are welcome. Robinson himself played ping pong when he was younger, but as he has aged, it has taken on an all new meaning. It has transformed from a mere activity to something that lets him forget about his Parkinson’s symptoms, and focus more on having fun and bonding with his fellow players.

Tommy Hubbard–a temporary caregiver for one of the participants– also shares fond memories playing with his client. Even on days when the program is not running, the two will often play ping pong together, and Hubbard has thoroughly enjoyed his time playing. In addition to symptom alleviation, Hubbard has noted a marked increase in Mr. Peter’s mood. Before he had some difficulties due to the adjustment with his evolving lifestyle, but now has found solace and joy in getting out and playing ping pong with his peers.

Even for those who don’t necessarily have Parkinson’s, the group still is highly beneficial. Annette Turner, a resident of Oakland for the past 45 years, doesn’t have Parkinson’s, but shares an enthusiasm for ping pong. When she first began attending the activity, she had no clue that it was geared towards individuals with Parkinson’s, and was a bit nervous at first, but later took it as an opportunity to learn stating “I think that it’s brought me also an opportunity to learn about people [with medical disabilities], and I think that it also has brought me into a [new] community[…]Watching the people that are playing [is] fascinating [because] they play really well[…]and I’m learning some things that I didn’t know before.”

From symptom management to community building and promoting physical activity, the benefits of ping pong are remarkable.

When CareBuilders at Home-East Bay first decided to sponsor the City of Oakland’s endeavor of bringing ping pong to the North Oakland Senior Center, we were unsure of how large of an impact this program would have, but it truly is a gift to be able to bring a program like this to Oakland’s vibrant community of seniors.