The Smartest Retirement Plan Involves Croquet
Thinking about retirement? Learn how Beryl found her passion for croquet before she retired, setting herself up for an active and social future.
The Many Health Benefits of Croquet for Australian Seniors and the Case for Government Support
Beyond a simple pastime, croquet offers a broad, multi faceted approach to enhancing the well-being of Australian seniors. This article synthesises the evidence for its physical, cognitive, and social benefits, presenting a comprehensive case for why investing in this accessible sport is a strategic public health priority for Queensland.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Holistic Health Benefits of Croquet for Australian Seniors and a Case for Government Support
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. Enhancing Senior Well-being in Australia through Active Engagement
A. The Imperative of Active Ageing in the Australian Context
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 and Multifaceted Activity for Seniors
Croquet is a highly suitable activity for promoting active ageing. It is a low-intensity, low-impact sport, which makes it gentle on the joints. This makes it 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 multifaceted nature provides a holistic benefit. 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 and appealing option for promoting overall well-being in seniors and a powerful case for broader support.
C. 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), serves as a foundational resource to inform government policy and guide the collaborative efforts required to foster active and healthy ageing across the state.
II. The Holistic 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 fosters 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: Fostering 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 foster 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, facilitates physical activity, and offers regular social contact. These are powerful protective factors against mental health issues like depression and anxiety [4]. Social groups foster 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]. Furthermore, 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, fosters friendships, builds 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] | Fosters 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, fostering routine social stimulation. [29] |
III. 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.
Furthermore, 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; fosters 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. |
IV. 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 a multifaceted activity well-suited to improving the holistic 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 fosters vital connections and builds 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].
- 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. Robust 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.
- Fostering 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]. Furthermore, 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.
V. Conclusion: Investing in a Healthier, More Engaged Future for Australian Seniors
Croquet is far more than a recreational pastime. It 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 foster 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 fertile ground for development. 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 unlock this potential.
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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