Pickleball Is Too Dangerous and Other Myths!

Do family and friends gasp when you mention you're going to play pickleball, as if you’ve announced plans to wrestle an alligator? It’s well‑intentioned, of course, but it’s also wildly outdated.

Older adults today are stronger, more active, and more ambitious than any generation before them. Yet the advice you receive often treats you like fragile antiques rather than fully capable humans with goals, energy, and agency. So let’s take a look at some of the most persistent myths about aging and give them the gentle (or not‑so‑gentle) eye roll they deserve.

Myth #1: “Pickleball is too dangerous.”

"Pickleball (or a number of other activities) is too dangerous, you could hurt yourself." Technically true, but hardly a reason to stop. Sure, you could pull a muscle. You might also meet new friends, get your heart pumping, and have a blast. You can absolutely play, just be sure to warm up, wear the right shoes, add strength training to your routine and avoid diving for the ball like you’re auditioning for a sports drink commercial.

Myth #2: “You shouldn't travel alone.”

Ah yes, the classic “It’s not safe for you to travel by yourself.” As if the moment you hit 70, airports become obstacle courses and hotel check‑ins require a guardian. Traveling solo can be one of the most empowering, joyful experiences at any age. You can absolutely do it, just be sure to share your itinerary with someone you trust, keep your wits about you, and maybe avoid accepting mysterious beverages from strangers named “Blade.”

Myth #3: “You should act your age.”

If acting your age means giving up fun, adventure, and curiosity, then no thank you. As we age many of us lose our inhibitions, and maybe our filter, but as long as we are not hurting others, what's the harm? Age isn’t a rulebook. It’s a collection of stories and you’re still adding chapters. So, you should act your age just be sure to redefine what that means for friends and family.

Myth #4: “You’re too old to fall in love.”

This one deserves a full‑body laugh. As if romance has an expiration date stamped somewhere around your 40s, like a carton of milk. Love doesn’t check IDs, affection doesn’t retire and attraction definitely doesn’t say, “Sorry, you’ve aged out of this ride.” Plenty of older adults are dating, flirting, falling in love, and having the time of their lives. Just be sure to trust your instincts, start by meet in public places, follow safe intimacy practices (because they're not just for avoiding pregnancy) and maybe Google them first to confirm they’re not the subject of a Dateline episode.

Myth #5: “Your greatest achievements are behind you.”

This one pops up a lot, usually delivered with a sympathetic head tilt, as if your best days packed their bags and left sometime around your 60th birthday. According to this myth, you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life reminiscing instead of doing anything new, bold, or mildly challenging. But here’s the truth, plenty of people hit their stride later in life. Some start businesses. Some write books. Some start new careers, master a new hobby or embrace volunteerism. Some finally learn how to fold a fitted sheet. (A miracle at any age.) You can absolutely still achieve big things just be sure to stay curious, keep putting yourself out there and ignore anyone who thinks ambition has an expiration date.

Myth #6: “You shouldn’t live so far away.”

According to some people, the moment you hit a certain age, you’re supposed to be supervised like a mischievous toddler with a crayon. “You shouldn’t live alone,” or "so far from family" they say, as if you’re moments away from accidentally microwaving your slippers or adopting twelve cats named Mr. Whiskers. But living alone, and in a place you love, can be wonderful, peaceful, empowering and blissfully free of anyone judging your snack choices. Just be sure to keep your home well‑lit, stay connected with people you enjoy, ask for help when you need it, and maybe install one of those camera doorbells so you can pretend you're not home when your kids show up unannounced.

You know you are not fragile. You're experienced and more than capable. You've survived the cold war, COVID-19, and more than a few people underestimating you. This is no time to start listening to the myths. So go ahead, get out there and live your life to the fullest... BFore Aging in Place.