Training at Bethanie Central Social Centre has begun, in preparation for a Perth-wide volleyball tournament—but it’s not your average competition.

The teams are comprised of seniors from numerous Perth aged care facilities and social centres, who will take to the courts on the November 13, celebrating Senior’s Week. 

Volleyball WA and Bethanie Central are partnering to bring seated Volleyball tournaments to mature age clients. The collaboration has encouraged other facilities to join in Perth-wide events.

Volleyball WA diversity and inclusion coordinator Aaron Tannahill works with aged care centres across Perth, bringing seated senior volleyball into fruition.

“Sport has so many benefits, mental, physical and social,” Mr Tannahill said. “It should be made available to anyone, no matter their age or ability”.

Participants vary in age, physical and cognitive ability.

The chair acts as an equaliser, promoting inclusivity amongst clients, some having physical challenges and dementia.

Joyce Ballantyne, 69, has been a client at the Bethanie Central for nearly two years. Joining shortly after breaking her back, she joined the centre seeking socialisation.

Having spent her youth swimming, and playing hockey, sport was put on the back burner as she entered motherhood. After retiring, Ms Ballantyne has reconnected with group sports once again.

“It keeps your body active, even if you’re sitting down” Ms Ballantyne said.

But the benefit of seated volleyball extends beyond physicality. For Ms Ballantyne, the sport supported her friendships at the centre.

Fellow client and friend of Ms Ballantyne, Lucy Fisher, 80, agrees the initiative and its accessibility are important.

Ms Fisher said: “It’s easy to get lazy and not do it but it’s good for us to do something and to move.”

Social centres like Bethanie Central are working to implement social and physical activities, creating accessible spaces for clients with varying ability.

Their experiences reinforce the findings of a 2024 study from the International Journal of Education and Cognitive Sciences that found a positive relationship between physical activity and positive mental, cognitive, and physical outcomes in mature-aged people.

Curtin University lecturer Dr Pam Nichols has experience in dementia and carer research. Previously she worked for Alzheimer’s Australia.

Dr Nichols said sport could support cognition in those with dementia: “Doing activities, particularly new activities, can help the brain find other pathways to do things”.

Dr Nichols said dementia affected how an individual participated in group activities: “It’s about the environment, and the social environment they’re in as well”.

She said a positive social atmosphere had a positive impact on symptoms of dementia and successful ageing.