Learning a Sport at Midlife or Beyond

Ms. Swatta's doctor approved of her playing Granny Basketball as a good way to stay active, help control her diabetes and drop a few pounds. "Even though there's no running, you're still moving. I was surprised how much exercise I was getting," Ms. Swatta says. "I've lost some weight and the muscles in my arms are getting firmer."

She had been exercising with machine weights at the school where she works. "That's fine, but it's boring," she says. "I like this much better."

"People are successful in becoming and staying more active if they enjoy what they're doing," says Dr. Weber. She notes that some of her patients find their new favorite sports during rehabilitation, while she's treating them for injuries or other problems.

Dr. Weber encourages patients with arthritis to participate in low-impact activities, such as water aerobics, cycling, yoga or pilates. "They begin to explore new activities that they wouldn't have done before or have never heard of," she says. "And they discover that they really enjoy it."