I have been teaching tennis for 45 years. During this time, because I have stayed in the same area for so long, I have taught many people for over 25 years. When you teach players for this long, you see many players pass away. In my case, many of these deaths are from natural causes. When attending these funerals I used to be very sad and upset. However, many of the surviving spouses have come up to me and written to me, saying what a positive influence tennis and I have had. They died doing what they loved. They maintained their fitness. They had a social outlet and continued to gain many friends.
 
This has a lot to do with why I love my job and why tennis is truly a "game for a lifetime."
 
Many people might think, "Why do players, even at an older age, still take lessons?" You can continue to learn into your 80's. This helps your mind and your motor skills, increases your longevity and your happiness. Also, you may have to learn new ways to change your game because of some of the problems that come with aging and not being able to move as well.
 
I was talking to one of my senior students one day and I asked him why he never took a vacation. He said, "Every day I am on the tennis court with my friends is a vacation?"
 
This says a lot about the game of tennis. Not many sports can compete with all the positives you can receive from playing tennis. This is why you should keep playing tennis and encourage your small children to learn to play tennis.
 
Good luck on the courts!