Meet Branford area pickleball enthusiast Jon Grossman
BRANFORD, Conn. — Being physically active is tasking in its own right. This is shown through a study done by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where only 28% of Americans get the weekly amount of exercise of 150 moderate minutes. Now imagine how difficult it would be for a soon-to-be 95-year-young-man to meet these requirements. That’s exactly what Evergreen Woods’ own Jon Grossman does.
Jon Grossman currently resides at Evergreen Woods, A Life Care Retirement Community in North Branford and has lived a life full of different paths. Most known for Grossman Chevrolet in Old Saybrook, Jon felt it was always important to get a proper amount of exercise.
“We played a lot of tennis. Almost every morning. We were a part of the early bird program at the Guilford Racket and Swim Club. You could play any day you wanted but had to be off the courts by 9 AM. So we would get together around 7 or 7:30 and play until 9”. Grossman says
One of the main ways Jon gets his exercise now is through an up-and-coming sport that he never played before arriving at Evergreen Woods called pickleball. A sport that takes the properties of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
“I wanted to stay physically active. Continued to play tennis as a part of the early bird program. A few of us would run a court and play doubles tennis. That came to an end and then a pickleball program formed which was a good transition from tennis. Much less court to cover and can’t slam the ball due to the high net so it’s good for seniors. We have competitive games since the juices are still running. We’re not just lollygagging around”. Grossman says
Most people would probably like to know Jon’s secret to still being active.
“I think I was blessed with thin arms and being skinny. I’ve always had a good respiratory system and a good heart. I could outlast the majority of people. One thing that set me back was I developed pneumonia. Trying to get normal breathing back was a task. My hand-eye coordination still seems to be good, I don’t know what’ll cause me to give it up because my vision is still good and I can track the ball well” Grossman says.
Jon has always loved the feeling surrounding exercise even besides pickleball and tennis. Jon is a big fan of skiing, sailing, and even simple walks as well.
“There’s a sensation of getting up in the morning with a clear sky, temperature the low 30s, trails have been groomed, you’re stiff because the first run is torture, but after the first run you’re loose and feeling good, you get into the rhythm. You’re a passenger on your own skis”. Also adding, “We have walks around the building. We call it a ring walk. It takes about an hour but I’m determined to stay active until they put me in a wheelchair and say ‘you’re history man’”.
Though Jon isn’t your average 95-year-young man, he is just one of an entire group of people at Evergreen Woods trying to stay active and young. Jon Grossman’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that age should never be a barrier to physical activity. Despite the challenges associated with staying active, particularly for the aging population, Jon has found ways to embrace exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Through his dedication to tennis, pickleball, skiing, sailing, and walks, Jon demonstrates the positive impact that physical activity can have on one’s well-being. He reminds us of the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from engaging in activities that challenge our bodies. Jon’s resilience and determination to remain active are truly admirable. His commitment to exercise, even in the face of setbacks like pneumonia, showcases his unwavering spirit and belief in the importance of staying physically fit.
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