In Mountain View’s Cuesta Park, 86‑year‑old Larry Hayes leads a 65+ tennis league, hitting the courts three to four times a week with teammate Bill Moniz, 79. Their regular play showcases how consistent activity can preserve mobility, independence, and social ties for older adults.

Larry Hayes’ 86‑year‑old tennis routine at Cuesta Park

Hayes, a former United States Tennis Association competitor for four decades, now captains a senior team that practices for one to three hours per session. He told the report, “My dream was always to win the Northern California tournament and play in a national championship,” a goal he finally achieved in 2014 at age 74. The team is currently training for an upcoming 65+ tournamnet, illustrating that competitive ambition does not fade with age.

Bill Moniz echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s fun to hit the ball. You stay active, get out of the house and meet great people.” Their shared experience underscores the social dimension of senior sport,a factor often missing from solitary exercise programs.

Only 14% of seniors met federal activity guidelines in 2022

The National Health Interview Survey revealed that fewer than 14% of adults aged 65 and older satisfied the CDC’s recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity plus two days of strength training per week. This stark figure contrasts sharply with the vibrant scene at Cuesta Park, where seniors are exceeding the guideline through tennis, walking groups, and pickleball.

Experts note that the gap is not merely a matter of motivation. “We definitely see a difference in those who exercise regularly and those who don’t,” said Alexander Smith, a professor of medicine in the UCSF Geriatrics Division. he added that income and other socioeconomic factors heavily influence who can access safe, regular exercise opportunities.

UCSF geriatric professor Alexander Smith warns about income‑linked health gaps

Smith emphasized that regular exercisers tend to have fewer chronic ailments, but cautioned that the benefits are unevenly distributed. “Income and other factors also influence health outcomes,” he explained,pointing to the need for community programs that lower cost barriers for low‑income seniors.

Hayes’ own injury history illustrates the importance of medical guidance. In his 70s he ignored shoulder pain, resulting in a rotator cuff strain that sidelined him for a year.. After physical therapy, he now approaches training more strategically, listening to his body to avoid setbacks.

Stanford’s Michael Fredericson on recovery and ‘stacking’ exercise for elders

Michael Fredericson, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Stanford University, stressed that older adults must prioritize recovery and flexibility. “Consistent movement throughout the day is key,” he said, noting that longer recovery times should not deter seniors from staying active.

Fredericson also promoted “stacking” exercise—accumulating short bursts of activity such as cleaning, stair climbing, or yard work—to meet weekly targets without the intimidation of a full workout. This approach aligns with advice from Anne Friedlander, associate director of Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, who warned that resistance training is the most overlooked but essential component for maintaining balance and independence.

What barriers keep the 86% of seniors inactive?

Despite the success stories at Cuesta Park,the majority of older Americans remain sedentary. The report does not identify specific programs targeting low‑income neighborhoods, nor does it detail how many seniors lack safe outdoor spaces. Additionally, the impact of chronic pain on participation rates remains unclear, leaving a gap in understanding how to scale the senior‑friendly model demonstrated by Hayes and his teammates.