Bowling helps keep you socially active

Transcona

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/10/2023 (927 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As people age there can be a tendency for them to become content in their habitats, with little desire to travel outside their comfort zones. They venture out on errands once or twice per week and are, for the most part, happy just staying home, where visits from family or friends become highlights of the week.

An important part of aging is continued mental stimulation, which keeps the mind active, and physical movement, which helps to keep bodies healthy. There are many groups and activities out there for those who enjoy venturing beyond the comforts of home, and one activity that comes to mind is bowling. Joining a bowling league gives people the opportunity to enjoy a weekly outing where then can form new friendships, touch base with acquaintances or to continue long-time friendships.

There are five and 10-pin bowling leagues all around the city that gather every day or evening of the week to bowl. There are seniors’ leagues, pro leagues, youth leagues and leagues for plain old regular people.

Tuesday evenings at LaVerendyre Lanes offer an interesting mix of some of the best bowlers out there with those still trying to get a score over 100. Some of Winnipeg’s best bowlers have gone on to complete in world championships and a few have even come home proud winners. For most people, though, the highlights of an evening of bowling are the fun and camaraderie you develop with your team or the chance to wander the lanes and catch up with friends or family. Each year it’s great to see most teams return, along with several new people joining in the fun. Ages range from bowlers in their early 20s to those in their mid-70s.

Bowling is an inexpensive way to go out and have fun with your friends and a good way to get to know someone you don’t. It’s fun to try out as a group, a great way to celebrate birthdays or special events, and you even run fundraising bowling tournaments.

Some people prefer throwing the smaller five-pin ball to tackling the larger 10-pin ball, so if you’re new to the pastime, it’s best to try both to determine which you prefer. (But don’t be afraid of the 10-pin, it’s not as bad as you think.) A quick online search will bring up multiple lanes at which you check out the sport, and here a few links you can try:

Bowling Manitoba is home to the Winnipeg and Manitoba Tenpin Bowling Associations: www.bowlingmanitoba.ca

You’ll find the Manitoba 5 Pin Bowlers Association at: www.m5pba.com

Give bowling a try — you won’t be disappointed.