A new national health policy agenda is emerging for the developed countries. As table tennis will likely become part of a major health and health promotion revolution in the coming two or three decades.

The developed countries are struggling with a major ageing problem. The fastest-growing group of people in almost every single industrialised country comprises those above the age of 70. Massive research in prolonging our lives – better food and nutrition, more medicine, and superior health care systems – contribute to demography with more and more people living longer. Many people have been given a long and healthy life, and although many enjoy good health, more will at some point face ordinary ageing problems or diseases and defects. These common ageing processes are part of life. There is no magical drink. But a lot of science seems to suggest that we can help postpone – at least parts of – the ageing process, so we can enjoy more years without too many problems.

Is that even possible? Yes, it is quite simple, and we already know it. You must move! Sports, dancing, walking and cycling all help.

Table tennis is a cheap sport compared to many others. And it does not require much space. A table tennis table can be placed almost anywhere! In addition, the game is relatively easy to learn, and you rarely get seriously injured. Unlike several other sports, it can be practised throughout your whole life into very old age. Table tennis is, therefore, the ideal sport for older people. This is supported by the existing, although not very extensive, research from Australia, the USA and Canada. Based on all the results and observations it is stated that table tennis stimulates blood circulation, improves physical fitness, enhances hand-eye coordination, and gently stimulates several areas of the brain. This knowledge has resulted in table tennis in Denmark, among other countries, gaining an explosive increase in participation in the age group from 60 years and up.

Approximately three years ago, some enterprising people associated with the Danish Table Tennis Association and the Danish Gymnastics and Sports Associations (DGI) took the initiative to start up new clubs all over Denmark to offer seniors aged 60 or more table tennis activities. The initiative, which has been named “The 60+ movement” is now developing into an extremely popular movement. Approximately 4,000 people of 60 and above meet 1-5 times a week to play. Many practices in the morning because at that time there are so many empty leisure centres, sports clubs, sports halls and private facilities. Most kids play in the afternoon and busy adults play in the evenings. Some facilities are therefore always available. The 60+ movement will continue to attract more members. The number of clubs and associations that have a section for 60+ is also growing very quickly. In a week in early September, clubs and associations all over Denmark open their doors to new members. During this week, they can pop in and try the game free of charge. More experienced members show the newcomers how to play, give them some amusing exercises, or teach them the rules of the game.

More and more people at 60 and above play table tennis. Several participants expressed a huge satisfaction with this sport. Most of them have never played before but they pick up the basics very quickly. Moreover, they all claim that table tennis is great fun. The fitness centre might be efficient but it is far from amusing; rather, it can be deadly boring.

Table tennis as a method to a better and more enjoyable old age is supported by research showing that it is extremely beneficial in treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This brings me back into the story again. At a relatively young age, in my late 40s, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a neurological disorder in which the brain’s ability to produce dopamine is impaired. Symptoms of the disease include shaking, muscle stiffness, balance problems, difficulties with walking and speech etc.

Neurologists and physiotherapists repeatedly stressed that medication could help me somewhat, but the crucial thing for my quality of life and my mobility was continuous physical exercise. I have always loved sports, so I was motivated to increase my training. However, when you must do exercises for an hour a day, it can be boring in the long run to stick to the gym or jogging. Therefore, I returned to table tennis – and here I have been practising for a few years. It is fun, cosy and has a big effect, especially on my balance. I am convinced that the part of the research that claims that table tennis has some special qualities to Parkinson’s Disease is right.

I am also convinced that the recognition of the special qualities of table tennis concerning ageing processes and the many examples of improvements in the daily lives of people with neurological disorders will lead to a quiet revolution in the prevention and treatment of such problems in the Danish population. We have the chance to become a prime mover in the fight against ageing and serious diseases (Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and Parkinson’s). Preventive health care work is vital, and here it is important to encourage as many people as possible to play table tennis regularly. This means that in the future we must include sport in our health care strategies against ageing.

This requires a new and different health policy strategy. It necessitates close interaction between voluntary associations, foundations, private actors, companies and the public sector. Regions, municipal actors, nursing homes, hospitals, activity centres, companies and table tennis clubs must, in close cooperation, develop services for many different groups in society. We need more table tennis tables everywhere – in shopping centres, in nursing homes, in municipal activity centres, in schools and workplaces. The table tennis clubs should be able to offer instruction and training of coaches, educators and nursing staff. This is a new phase in the development of the welfare state: the experimental welfare state, where flexibility and cooperation between public and private employees and professionals and volunteers is the characteristic feature.

In Denmark, the quiet revolution has already started. The table tennis clubs in the country are already in the process of developing services for the Danish population and are collaborating with municipalities, voluntary associations, and foundations. The private philanthropic foundation TrygFonden has recently made a large donation to Table Tennis Denmark which, with support from the Parkinson’s Association, will develop useful table tennis activities for Parkinson’s patients. The revolution has begun!

I sincerely hope that within the next two or three years we will see the 60+ movement in Denmark become a global phenomenon supported by ITTF, ETTU, and all national table tennis and sports federations, including medical and health organisations. Come on! Onwards and Upwards!

The author is a Professor of Politics at Copenhagen Business School, a table tennis enthusiast and diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.