Croquet offers physical, cognitive, and social benefits for Australian seniors. This article presents the evidence and makes the case for Queensland Government investment in croquet as a preventive health intervention.

Croquet Queensland Media

Jun 18, 2025

The Health Benefits of Croquet for Australian Seniors and the Case for Government Support

Executive Summary

This paper makes the case for Queensland Government support of croquet clubs as a preventive health intervention for seniors. The evidence is clear:

The Problem

Falls cost the Australian health system $4.7–5 billion annually. One in three Australians aged 65+ falls each year, resulting in 238,055 hospitalisations in 2022–23 with average stays of 9.5 days.1

Social isolation costs Australia $2.7 billion annually. In Queensland, 62.5% of adults feel lonely at least some of the time.1

Queensland's 65+ population (currently 959,110 people, 17.2% of the state) is projected to reach 19.1% by 2046. Regional areas like Wide Bay will reach 35.1%.1

The Evidence

Group-based exercise programs reduce fall risk by 40–64%.1

Similar programs show ROI of 144–509% for fall prevention.1

Club membership reduces healthcare costs by 30–40% and improves social wellbeing during life transitions.1

The Opportunity

Croquet delivers the physical components proven effective in fall prevention: balance training, coordination, and gentle strength work.

Its club-based structure addresses social isolation through regular, meaningful contact.

Queensland already allocates $60+ million annually through programs croquet clubs can access (GCBF, Age-friendly Grants, Minor Infrastructure).

Recommendations

Targeted funding for club infrastructure and equipment

Program development for "Come and Try" initiatives

Integration into public health campaigns

Support for Queensland-focused research

Partnerships with health networks and councils

Abstract

This paper presents the case for government support for croquet as a health-enhancing activity for older Australians. With Australia's ageing population, there is a clear need for accessible activities that support senior well-being, and croquet is a highly effective sport for this purpose.

The game offers distinct physical, cognitive, and social benefits. As a low-impact sport, it improves balance and strength without placing stress on the body. The strategy required to play helps keep the mind active and engaged. Importantly, club membership helps seniors build friendships and reduces social isolation.

Since direct research on croquet is limited, this analysis also draws evidence from comparable sports like lawn bowls and other strategic games like bridge. We explain the rationale for these comparisons and acknowledge their limitations.

The paper uses Queensland as a detailed case study to show current initiatives and future opportunities. It also addresses potential barriers to participation. The article concludes with specific, evidence-based recommendations for government action.

I. The Economic Imperative: Why This Investment Matters Now

A. The Growing Cost of Inaction

The financial case for preventive health interventions targeting seniors is substantial and growing.

Falls Prevention:

Falls among older Australians cost the healthcare system $4.7–5 billion annually1. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions in Australia, accounting for 77% of all injury-related hospitalisations1.

The numbers are stark:

One in three Australians aged 65+ falls each year1

238,055 fall-related hospitalisations occurred in 2022–231

Average hospital stay for fall-related admission: 9.5–10 days1

Falls cause 71% of injury deaths, resulting in over 5,000 fatalities annually1

In residential aged care, each injurious fall costs approximately $2,494, totalling over $325 million per year across the system1.

Group exercise programs that improve balance and strength have been shown to reduce fall risk by 40–64%1. Comparable programs demonstrate strong returns: Tai Chi shows 509% ROI, while the Otago Exercise Programme shows 144% ROI for participants aged 80 and over1.

Social Isolation:

Loneliness and social isolation cost Australia approximately $2.7 billion annually in additional healthcare use1. Each lonely person costs the health system an estimated $1,565 per year1.

Lonely Australians aged 65 and over average 10 GP visits per year—four more than their socially connected peers1.

International systematic reviews report a social return on investment (SROI) of $2.28 to $13.72 for every dollar spent on loneliness interventions1.

These figures demonstrate that investments in accessible, socially engaging physical activities represent sound fiscal policy.

Worked Example: Queensland's Croquet-Playing Seniors

Queensland has approximately 1,500 registered croquet players aged 65 and over. Using conservative, peer-reviewed figures, we can estimate the healthcare cost implications:

Baseline scenario (no intervention):

32% annual fall rate = 480 falls per year

30% of falls require medical attention = 144 medically-attended falls

Mean cost per medically-attended fall: $3,779 (Australian 30-day cost data)

Total annual healthcare cost: ~$544,000

With croquet participation (40% risk reduction):

Fall rate reduced to ~19% = 288 falls per year

Medically-attended falls = 86

Total annual healthcare cost: ~$325,000

Annual saving: approximately $219,000 across this cohort alone.

Over 10 years, that's $2.19 million in avoided healthcare costs from a population of just 1,500 players. The 40% risk reduction figure is conservative—group exercise programs show reductions of 40–64% in peer-reviewed trials.

This worked example uses only registered players. The true benefit would be larger if we include club social members and casual participants.

B. Queensland's Ageing Demographics: A Growing Challenge

Queensland faces a significant demographic shift that makes preventive health investment increasingly urgent:

959,110 Queenslanders are currently aged 65 and over, representing 17.2% of the state's population (2024)

This proportion is projected to reach 19.1% by 2046

Regional areas face even greater challenges: Wide Bay is projected to have 35.1% of its population aged 65+ by 2046

Greater Brisbane's 65+ population will approach 19% within the same timeframe

These projections reinforce the need for scalable, cost-effective interventions that can be delivered through croquet’s existing community infrastructure.

II. Enhancing Senior Well-being in Australia through Active Engagement

A. Why Active Ageing Matters in Australia

Australia's population is getting older. This demographic shift means we need effective strategies to help our senior citizens maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. The concept of 'active ageing'—which encourages ongoing physical activity and participation in community life—is vital [1]. The Australian Government promotes positive ageing because it boosts memory, protects physical and mental health, helps prevent chronic disease, and reduces loneliness [1].

Regular physical activity is especially important for seniors. It helps slow the natural decline in muscle, strength, and balance that can lead to a higher risk of falls and injury [2]. A focus on prevention and well-being offers clear advantages over a healthcare model that only reacts to illness after it appears. Promoting accessible and enjoyable activities is a cornerstone of this preventative approach. By supporting pursuits that improve physical, mental, and social health, we can delay the impact of age-related challenges, reduce the burden on healthcare, and empower seniors to lead more fulfilling lives [1].

B. Introducing Croquet: An Accessible Activity That Works on Multiple Fronts

Croquet is well-suited to promoting active ageing. It is a low-intensity, low-impact sport, gentle on the joints and accessible to a wide range of older adults, including those with limited movement or existing health conditions [5]. Beyond its physical gentleness, croquet combines physical movement with deep strategic thinking and social interaction [6].

This combination is what makes it effective. While many activities focus on one area of health, croquet addresses several at once. Its low-impact nature encourages physical participation [6], its strategic demands stimulate the mind [8], and the club environment builds social bonds [8]. This makes croquet an efficient option for promoting overall well-being in seniors.

C. Why Croquet Specifically?

A reasonable question: why should government prioritise croquet when activities like Tai Chi have more direct research evidence for falls prevention?

Three factors set croquet apart.

First, the combination. Most proven interventions target one health domain. Tai Chi reduces falls. Bridge stimulates cognition. Social groups address loneliness. Croquet delivers all three through a single activity. Players get balance and coordination training (falls prevention), strategic problem-solving (cognitive stimulation), and regular club-based social contact (loneliness intervention) in every session. This efficiency matters when the goal is keeping seniors engaged long-term.

Second, the infrastructure already exists. Queensland has over 40 established croquet clubs with lawns, clubhouses, trained volunteers, coaching systems, and governance structures. The Croquet Association of Queensland provides a ready implementation partner. Funding croquet builds on existing community assets rather than starting from scratch.

Third, clubs are self-sustaining in ways that programs aren't. Tai Chi is typically delivered as 8–12 week courses requiring ongoing government funding and instructor availability. When funding stops, the program stops. Croquet clubs generate their own revenue through memberships and tournaments. Members recruit members. Volunteers train volunteers. A government investment in croquet infrastructure keeps delivering returns for decades, not weeks.

This paper doesn't argue that croquet should replace other proven interventions. Tai Chi, walking groups, and resistance training all have strong evidence bases and deserve continued support. The argument is simpler: croquet warrants inclusion in the toolkit because it offers a unique combination of benefits through a self-sustaining community structure that maximises the long-term return on government investment.

D. Purpose and Scope of the Article

This article synthesises evidence from research and government publications to build a strong case for supporting croquet as a health-enhancing activity for Australian seniors. It uses Queensland as an integrated, illustrative case study. The paper outlines the sport’s physical, cognitive, and social benefits.

Recognising that direct, high-level research on croquet is less common than for other sports, this analysis also draws on evidence from comparable activities. For physical benefits, it looks at low-impact sports like lawn bowls and golf. For cognitive benefits, it examines strategic games like mahjong and bridge. This approach is used because these activities share core features with croquet, such as similar body movements or mental demands. We acknowledge the limitations of these comparisons to ensure all conclusions are credible. This document, prepared by the Croquet Association of Queensland (CAQ), is intended to inform government policy and guide the collaborative efforts required to support active and healthy ageing across the state.

III. The Health Benefits of Croquet for Australian Seniors

A. Physical Well-being: Movement, Balance, and Vitality

1. Direct Physical Benefits of Croquet

Playing croquet involves a range of movements that benefit senior health, including bending the hips and knees and using controlled shoulder motion and light grip strength. These actions are performed without sharp twisting of the body, making it a very low-impact sport suitable for people managing long-term health conditions [6]. Experts from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) have endorsed golf croquet as a way to encourage mobility and help older people lead less sedentary lives [6].

The game improves coordination, helps maintain strength in the arms and legs, and develops balance [6]. Because it is gentle on the joints, it can be played without worsening conditions like arthritis [8]. Many older adults are hesitant to exercise due to physical limits, fear of injury, or lack of enjoyment [3]. Croquet’s low-impact nature [6] and enjoyable gameplay [8] lower these barriers. This leads to regular participation, helping seniors meet physical activity guidelines [15] and gain long-term health benefits like functional independence [4].

2. Alignment with Australian Physical Activity Guidelines

The physical demands of croquet align well with public health recommendations for older Australians. The Australian Government advises that people over 65 should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days, including exercises for fitness, strength, flexibility, and balance [15]. Similarly, Queensland Health's programs encourage activities that build endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility to maintain health and prevent falls [16].

Croquet helps seniors meet these guidelines in several ways at once. Walking the court builds aerobic fitness. Swinging the mallet uses gentle upper body and core strength while improving hand-eye coordination. Bending to place balls promotes flexibility. Sighting shots and moving around obstacles improves balance. This makes croquet an efficient and integrated way for seniors to work towards their physical activity goals.

Table 1: Alignment of Croquet's Physical Benefits with Australian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Australians (65+ years)

Guideline Component	Australian Government Recommendation (Summarised from )	How Croquet Addresses It (with supporting evidence)
Endurance/Aerobic Fitness	Accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most days.	Walking the croquet court provides sustained, low-to-moderate intensity aerobic activity.[6]
Strength	Participate in muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week.	Swinging the mallet engages muscles in the arms, shoulders, and core; repeated light lifting and carrying of equipment contributes.[6]
Flexibility	Include activities that promote flexibility.	Bending to place and retrieve balls, and reaching for shots, encourages flexibility in the back, hips, and limbs.[6]
Balance	Incorporate activities to improve balance and prevent falls.	Maintaining stability during shots, walking on uneven grass surfaces, and navigating around hoops and other balls enhances static and dynamic balance.[6]
Coordination	Activities that enhance coordination.	Aiming and striking the ball with precision, judging distances and angles, all improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.[6]

3. Benefits from Comparable Low-Impact Sports (Analogous Evidence)

While high-level research specifically on croquet is still developing, strong evidence from similar low-impact sports supports its physical benefits. This comparison is valid because the sports share similar movements and exertion levels.

Lawn Bowls: Is recognised as a low-impact exercise that improves fitness, coordination, and confidence [19]. It involves walking and requires good balance [9].

Seniors' Golf: Research shows golf can improve muscle strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility in older adults [21]. The physical demands are comparable to a gym workout and offer cardiovascular benefits [7].

Bocce: This sport offers gentle, low-impact exercise that enhances coordination, flexibility, and balance, which helps reduce the risk of falls [23].

The actions in croquet (walking, bending, and controlled swings) are biomechanically similar to lawn bowls, golf, and bocce [6]. The well-documented health benefits from these similar sports can therefore be reasonably inferred for croquet, strengthening the case for its promotion.

B. Cognitive Function and Mental Acuity: The Strategic Dimensions of Croquet

1. Croquet's Inherent Mental Stimulation

Croquet is an intellectually demanding game often called "chess on grass" for its focus on strategy and planning [8]. Players must constantly solve problems, concentrate, remember rules and ball positions, and sequence their shots to succeed [6, 10]. Even the simpler version, Golf Croquet, requires considerable skill to master [8]. This continuous mental effort keeps the mind active and agile [13].

Cognitive decline is a major concern for ageing populations, but engaging in mentally stimulating activities can build a "cognitive reserve" to buffer against it [26]. Croquet provides this stimulation naturally. The need to plan, adapt, and remember is woven into an enjoyable game. This "incidental" cognitive training can lead to more sustained engagement than formal exercises, offering a pleasurable path to promoting brain health.

2. Psychological Well-being

Playing croquet also offers significant psychological benefits. The game is reported to help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, lift mood, and improve self-esteem [5]. Playing outdoors in pleasant, green settings contributes to this, as time in nature is linked to reduced tension and anger [10]. The game also builds a positive attitude and resilience [8]. Successfully making a difficult shot or winning a game provides a sense of pride and accomplishment.

These positive outcomes result from a combination of factors. Physical activity releases endorphins and reduces stress [15]. The social interaction of club life combats loneliness [5]. Learning a new skill and achieving goals on the lawn improves self-esteem and confidence [6]. This complimentary mix of physical, mental, and social engagement is a potent tool for enhancing mental well-being.

3. Parallels with Other Mentally Engaging Activities (Analogous Evidence)

The cognitive demands of croquet—planning, strategy, memory—are similar to other activities known for their benefits to seniors. This comparison is valid because they engage the same "executive functions" of the brain.

Mahjong: This game demands memory, strategy, and problem-solving [27]. Research links regular play to improved cognitive abilities and better scores on mental state examinations [26].

Bridge: This card game is famous for its cognitive complexity, engaging working memory, planning, and foresight [28]. It is associated with retaining mental sharpness in older age [29]. While the skills differ—bridge relies on memory for cards while croquet is about spatial planning—both heavily engage strategic thinking.

Tactical Thinking in Sports: Research shows that sports requiring strategic decision-making have positive effects on executive functions like memory, focus, and mental flexibility [31, 32]

The strategic and tactical nature of croquet [8] aligns closely with the concept of "executive functions" [31]; those higher-order cognitive processes essential for planning, organising, and executing goal-directed behaviour.

These functions, which include planning sequences of shots, remembering the positions of multiple balls, adapting strategy based on the evolving game state, and inhibiting impulsive or suboptimal plays, are critical for independent living but can decline with age.

Given that activities like mahjong and bridge are recognised for supporting these executive functions [26], and that croquet requires a similar suite of cognitive skills, it is reasonable to infer that croquet provides comparable benefits. Promoting croquet can thus be framed as supporting cognitive abilities that are directly relevant to seniors' capacity to manage daily tasks, make informed decisions, and maintain their independence, a cornerstone of active ageing policies.

C. Social Well-being: Building Connection and Community

1. Croquet as a Creator of Social Interaction

Croquet is an inherently social activity where older adults can connect, form friendships, and build support networks [5]. Participation is proven to reduce loneliness. Clubs create an inclusive environment where men and women often play together on equal terms [8]. The experience of new residents in Queensland's retirement communities, who find croquet a welcoming way to meet people, highlights these positive social dynamics [11].

For many seniors, opportunities for social engagement can decrease after retirement. Croquet clubs act as "third places"—locations outside of home or work that are vital for community building and a sense of belonging [33]. This community hub role can extend beyond the sport itself, creating a trusted environment where seniors can engage in other beneficial activities, such as social events or even digital literacy programs designed to bridge the technology gap. Supporting croquet clubs is therefore an investment in social infrastructure that combats loneliness.

2. Broader Benefits of Social Participation and Club Membership

The benefits of croquet are amplified by the well-documented advantages of social club membership for seniors. Being part of a club provides purpose, encourages physical activity, and offers regular social contact. These are powerful protective factors against mental health issues like depression and anxiety [4]. Social groups build a sense of identity, which can lead to improved self-esteem and quality of life [30].

Governments recognise the importance of social inclusion. Programs like the NSW Connecting Seniors Grant have funded croquet lessons to help reduce isolation [34]. Social engagement and health have a reinforcing relationship. Being part of a club encourages people to stay physically active [30]. In turn, the improved health from playing croquet makes people more able and willing to socialise. This creates a positive feedback loop where physical, mental, and social benefits all reinforce each other.

Table 2: Comparative Health Benefits of Croquet and Analogous Low-Impact/Mentally Stimulating Activities for Seniors

Activity	Key Physical Benefits (Low-impact, Balance, Coordination, Gentle Strength)	Key Cognitive/Mental Benefits (Strategy, Memory, Problem-solving, Mood)	Key Social Benefits (Interaction, Community, Reduced Loneliness)
Croquet	Low-impact, gentle on joints; improves balance, coordination, gentle limb strength; promotes mobility. [6]	Intellectually challenging, requires strategy, planning, precision, focus, memory [8]; relieves depression/anxiety, uplifts mood, improves self-esteem.[5]	Highly social, builds friendships and support networks, reduces loneliness [5]; inclusive club environment.[8]
Lawn Bowls	Low-impact; improves fitness, coordination, skill development [19]; involves walking and balance.[9]	Enhances mental wellbeing, increases confidence and self-esteem.[19]	Promotes community connectedness and support; played for social interaction.[19]
Seniors' Golf	Improves muscle strength, balance, flexibility, walking performance [21]; cardiovascular benefits from walking course [7]; demands equivalent to gym work.[21]	Requires concentration and strategy 7; social interaction on course and in clubhouse contributes to mental well-being.[21]	Offers social interaction with playing partners and within club settings.[21]
Bocce	Gentle, low-impact exercise; improves coordination, flexibility, balance; reduces fall risk [23]; involves bending/extending arms.[24]	Requires strategic thinking and precise calculations [23]; can release stress.[24]	Promotes social interaction, camaraderie of team play; strengthens bonds. [23]
Mahjong	Primarily sedentary, but can involve fine motor skills.	Demands memory, strategy, concentration, problem-solving [27]; improves cognitive abilities, reaction, attention, calculation [26]; may reduce risk of cognitive decline. [27]	Often played in groups, providing social engagement and reducing isolation. [27]
Bridge	Primarily sedentary.	Highly cognitively engaging: working memory, sequencing, planning, problem-solving 28; may help retain mental sharpness and delay cognitive symptoms.[29]	Rich social component, played in partnerships and clubs, providing routine social stimulation. [29]

IV. Croquet in the Australian Context: Spotlight on Queensland

A. Overview of Croquet's Presence and Initiatives

Croquet has a well-established presence across Australia, supported by national and state bodies like Croquet Australia [36].

In Queensland, the Croquet Association of Queensland (CAQ) is the main body supporting the sport [40]. Croquet is integrated into the community through various local initiatives. Logan City Council includes croquet in its 'Active & Healthy' programs [42]. Clubs like Eildon Croquet Club are developing new ways to engage older volunteers [39]. Retirement communities like Renaissance Victoria Point feature croquet as a key social activity [11]. And facilities like the West End Croquet Club in Brisbane have even hosted public health training courses [44].

This demonstrates a strong grassroots foundation for future growth and government support. Such an approach would likely prove more cost-effective and ensure that interventions are locally relevant and build upon established community engagement.

B. Participation Trends Among Seniors in Queensland

While specific data on croquet participation from surveys like AusPlay is not readily available [45], broader trends provide useful context. In 2018, 75% of Queensland adults reported some physical activity in the last year [46]. However, a large number are not active enough to achieve health benefits. Data also shows that women are more likely to be insufficiently active than men [47].

This "participation gap" is an opportunity for sports like croquet. It is well-suited to address common barriers to exercise like cost, time, fear of injury, or lack of enjoyable options [47]. Croquet is relatively inexpensive, the Golf Croquet version is time-efficient [8], and its social nature is a powerful motivator. Given its demonstrated popularity with women [37], croquet is well-positioned to help close the participation gap between genders for seniors in Queensland.

C. Alignment with Queensland Government's Active Ageing Strategies

Promoting croquet aligns perfectly with Queensland Government strategies. Queensland Health's 'Ageing with vitality' and 'Stay on Your Feet' programs both emphasise exercises that improve strength, balance, and flexibility to maintain independence and prevent falls [16]—all of which croquet provides.

The government's 'Age-friendly Queensland' strategy aims to create more inclusive communities, in line with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) eight domains of an age-friendly community [50]. Croquet directly supports and enhances several of these domains:

Social Participation: Through club memberships, regular games, and social events [8].

Respect and Social Inclusion: By providing a welcoming environment where seniors of all abilities can participate [8].

Outdoor Spaces and Recreation: As the game is played outdoors in green settings, promoting access to such spaces [10].

Community Support and Health Services: By promoting health, clubs can reduce reliance on formal health services [5].

Communication and Information: By acting as a venue for digital literacy support and providing members with online updates or booking systems, clubs can directly help seniors build confidence with technology, reducing the digital divide and enhancing their connection to the wider community.

Given this strong alignment, croquet initiatives are prime candidates for support under Queensland's Age-friendly programs.

D. Addressing Potential Barriers to Participation

A complete strategy must also address potential barriers to participation. The perception of croquet as an 'old person's sport' can sometimes deter younger seniors [38]. Cost can also be a factor, with club and affiliation fees potentially being a barrier for those on fixed incomes [38]. Access to clubs, especially in regional areas, and the perceived complexity of some versions of the game can also be challenges [8].

Proactive measures can mitigate these barriers. Marketing campaigns can highlight faster-paced versions like Golf Croquet [6]. Subsidised memberships and "come and try" days, like those in Logan [42], can reduce financial hurdles. Better transport links and outreach programs in community centres or retirement villages can improve access [11]. Finally, clubs can ensure they provide a welcoming environment with clear instruction for beginners [11].

Table 3: Overview of Selected Queensland-Based Initiatives and Opportunities for Seniors' Croquet

Initiative/Opportunity	Brief Description	Relevance to Seniors' Well-being in Queensland
Logan City Council Active & Healthy Program - Croquet [42]	Includes low-cost croquet sessions with qualified coaches, aimed at all ages, promoting fun and social gaming.	Provides accessible, council-supported physical activity; builds social connection and skill development for seniors in the Logan region.
Eildon Croquet Club Volunteer Model [39]	Implementing interest- and skills-based volunteering to engage aging committee members with flexible, less demanding roles.	Addresses volunteer burnout, promotes continued social engagement and sense of purpose for older club members; ensures club sustainability, vital for ongoing activity provision.
Croquet Association Queensland (CAQ) Programs [40]	State body promoting and supporting croquet; organises tournaments, coaching, and development.	Provides overarching structure and support for croquet across Queensland, enabling wider participation opportunities for seniors, including competitive and social play.
West End Croquet Club hosting Mental Health First Aid [44]	Brisbane croquet club serving as a venue for community mental health training.	Demonstrates the potential of croquet clubs to act as broader community hubs, supporting wider health and well-being initiatives relevant to seniors (e.g., mental health awareness and support).
Renaissance Victoria Point Croquet [11]	Retirement village featuring croquet as a key activity, with resident coordination, social days, and easy access for newcomers.	Showcases a successful model of integrating croquet into senior living environments, promoting physical activity, brain stimulation, and crucial social connections for residents.
Potential for Age-friendly Community Development Grants [50]	Queensland Government grants for local councils (in partnership with community orgs) for initiatives making communities more age-friendly.	Croquet projects aligning with WHO age-friendly domains (e.g., social participation, outdoor recreation, inclusion) could be eligible for funding, supporting local efforts to enhance seniors' quality of life through active engagement.

V. A Call to Action: Government Advocacy for Promoting Croquet for Senior Health

A. Synthesising the Evidence: The Compelling Case for Croquet

The evidence shows that croquet is an activity well-suited to improving the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of Australian seniors. Its low-impact nature offers accessible physical exercise that improves balance, coordination, and strength [6]. Its strategic demands provide significant mental stimulation [8]. Socially, its club-based environment builds vital connections and supportive communities [5]. These benefits align directly with key public health goals for an ageing population [1]. The existing croquet infrastructure and community enthusiasm in Queensland provide a strong foundation for government support to build upon.

B. Specific, Actionable Recommendations for Government (Federal and Queensland State)

To realise the potential of croquet for senior health, we propose the following actions:

Targeted Funding and Infrastructure Support:

Recommendation: Establish or promote dedicated grant programs for croquet club development, facility upgrades, and equipment. This includes ensuring accessible amenities, providing shade, and installing lighting. Crucially, this support should be strategically directed towards both upgrading existing facilities and developing new ones in identified seniors' growth corridors, particularly in warmer climates like Queensland where evening play under lights is essential for maximising safe participation during hotter months [38]. Support should also cover adaptive equipment for seniors with physical limitations.

Rationale: This addresses the challenge of ageing club infrastructure and limited budgets [38], ensuring facilities are safe, accessible, and can support more participants and volunteers [39]. Precedents for such support exist in programs like the Toowoomba Regional Council's grants [51] and the federal Play Our Way program [52].

Funding Pathways: Several existing Queensland and federal programs align with croquet infrastructure needs:

Age-friendly Community Development Grants (Qld): approximately $45,000 per council for initiatives supporting age-friendly communities
Gambling Community Benefit Fund (Qld): distributes $60 million annually, with grants ranging from $500 to $35,000 per application for community organisations
Minor Infrastructure Program (Qld Sport): $50,000 to $415,000 per project for facility upgrades
Active Clubs and FairPlay Vouchers ($200 per participant) for reducing cost barriers to participation

Program Development and Promotion:

Recommendation: Partner with and provide funding to CAQ to lead the development, implementation, and statewide promotion of introductory croquet programs tailored for seniors. This should include "Come and Try" days, beginner coaching clinics, and the promotion of social, less formal versions of the game, as well as the training and development of the volunteer coaches and administrators who are essential to delivering them.

Rationale: This responds to the need to attract new participants and overcome perception barriers, as highlighted in strategic reports [37] and by the success of local initiatives [42]. "Come and Try" days are a proven method for engagement [37].

Integration into Public Health Campaigns:

Recommendation: Actively feature croquet in public health campaigns promoting active ageing, alongside other recognised activities like Tai Chi, walking groups, and lawn bowls [53].

Rationale: Croquet's alignment with the goals of active ageing makes it a prime candidate for inclusion in campaigns by bodies like the Department of Health and Aged Care [1] and Queensland Health [16]. This would raise its profile as a health-enhancing activity.

Support for Research:

Recommendation: Support CAQ in securing academic partnerships and funding to undertake Queensland-focused research that investigates and quantifies the health outcomes of croquet participation among seniors.

Rationale: This directly addresses the knowledge gap identified earlier. Solid local research would strengthen advocacy and program development, just as international studies on golf [21] or mahjong [26] have provided strong evidence for those activities.

Expected Return: Based on comparable interventions, investment in croquet programs could reasonably expect:

40–64% reduction in fall risk among regular participants (based on group exercise program evidence)
ROI of 144–509% for fall prevention outcomes (based on Tai Chi and Otago programme data)
SROI of $2.28–$13.72 per dollar invested for social connection outcomes

Building Partnerships:

Recommendation: Work with CAQ to facilitate and co-fund partnerships between its member clubs, LGAs, seniors' advocacy organisations, retirement villages, primary health networks, allied health professionals, and digital inclusion organisations (such as local libraries or Be Connected network partners).

Rationale: This builds on successful collaborative models [6, 39] and aligns with government programs that already emphasise such partnerships [50]. Such partnerships would enable clubs to act as trusted community hubs for addressing the digital divide, offering seniors a comfortable and familiar setting to build technology skills and confidence, thereby enhancing their social connection and access to essential online services.

VI. Conclusion: Investing in a Healthier, More Engaged Future for Australian Seniors

Croquet is a valuable, accessible, and enjoyable tool for significantly improving the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of Australian seniors. The evidence from croquet itself, and from comparable activities, highlights its ability to promote mobility and balance, stimulate strategic thinking, and build vital community connections.

These benefits align powerfully with government health priorities for an ageing population. The existing croquet infrastructure and enthusiasm in communities, particularly in Queensland, offer a strong base for expansion. Investing in croquet is an investment in the proactive health management of Australia's seniors. It offers significant returns in improved public health, reduced healthcare costs, and more vibrant, age-friendly communities. A concerted commitment from government, working in collaboration with community sport, can make this happen.

The Croquet Association of Queensland stands ready to partner with all levels of government and community stakeholders to turn these evidence-based recommendations into a reality for seniors across the state.

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