Bocce ball consistently ranks as one of the favorite pastimes among active adult community residents.
Bocce, a game with roots that go back to ancient times, has taken its place alongside horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts to become a favorite recreational pastime at active adult communities throughout America. In addition to being fun to play, the benefits of bocce ball include healthy social interaction, light activity, strategic planning, and friendly competition.
Modern day bocce is an Italian game that is closely related to bowls, petanque and ancient games played in the Roman Empire. The game is traditionally played on a hard surface, though it can be played on packed natural soil or even on grass, making it easily played at a picnic or backyard barbeque. Many active adult communities offer bocce ball courts, usually on a hard surface surrounded by short walls to keep the balls from rolling of the court.
Bocce can be played by two people or by two teams of two to four people. The rules of the game are relatively simple. In essence, one player (or team) begins by rolling a smaller ball, known as the “jack”, onto the court. Turns are then taken as each player (or team) attempts to bowl his or her balls closest to the jack. As with many similar activities, the game play is easy to learn, but developing strategies and skillful throwing takes time and practice.
One of the reasons bocce ball has become such a popular pastime is that it can be played by those of nearly any age or skill level. In fact, bocce is an official sport of the National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) and the Special Olympics International (SOI). By using special chutes and ramps the game can even be modified for those with a wide range of disabilities. Yet, it is equally engaging for players who are in perfect health.
While on the surface bocce ball appears to be a simple game, skilled players learn to develop strategies and special techniques for scoring the most points. This makes the game mentally stimulating as well as an exercise in fine-tuning hand-eye coordination. As most courts are outside, players can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while competing.
The social aspect of the game is another benefit of bocce ball. Many active adult communities offer bocce clubs and social groups in addition to having available courts. Players can learn from each other as they develop their own skills and strategies. Some friendly competition among individuals or teams also adds excitement to the game.
If bocce sounds like the game for you, check out some of these communities which feature bocce ball courts and social groups: Cascades at St. Lucie West in Florida, Potomac Green by Del Webb in Virginia, Sun City Summerlin in Nevada, Carillon at Stonegate in Illinois, and Oakmont Village in California.
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The beauty of bocce is the essence of living in an active retirement community. People from all walks of life who often had never participated in a sport, activity or craft suddenly find things to do they may never have imagined themselves doing.
How much better does it get? Learning to grow into aspects of life that were out of reach while working. I picked up lawn bowling (say what?), after having both knees replaced and love it. I’ve worked some events with the bocce club here in Sun City and they have more fun than should be allowed.
The point here is this; life is meant to be enjoyed and when you retire and move to a retirement community, enjoyment comes in all different shapes and sizes. Many of the retirement communities are now offering the vacation special (try before you buy), so take a chance, open your eyes and see just how good it can be.