Get rolling on the bocce court at Westlake Community Services

Men's bocce players enjoy friendly competition at the Westlake Center for Community Services.

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Wanted: Bocce players, especially for Men's Group on Thursday mornings. No experience required! Offers great health benefits.

Bocce is an outdoor game that can be played by folks from any age or skill level. It can be played by two people or by two teams of two to four people. The rules are relatively simple. One player (or team) begins by rolling a smaller ball, known as the “palina,” onto the court. Turns are then taken as each player (or team) attempts to bowl his or her balls closest to the palina. 

As with many similar activities, the game play is easy to learn, but developing strategies and skill takes time and practice. It is a perfect activity for seniors because it is fun, social and great for your health. Here are some ways that bocce is good for you:

• Physical Health: While not hugely aerobic, bocce does get you on your feet and forces you to flex and move your joints. It also helps you improve your eye-hand coordination.
• Brain Health: It is good for your mind because there is strategy involved and decisions to be made about the velocity and angle with which you throw the ball, among other things. Engaging your brain while exercising has been well-documented as a way to help stave off dementia.
• Emotional Health: One of the biggest benefits of bocce is that it is social. Being outside, socializing and moving around helps promote happiness. Focusing improves mindfulness which is a relaxing way to relieve stress. Friendly competition increases overall motivation.

Ready to get rolling? The Westlake Center for Community Services hosts several bocce groups. Our Thursday Men's group, in particular, is seeking some new players. They play from 9 a.m. to noon. We also have a ladies group on Tuesday mornings from 9-11:30 a.m. and a mixed group on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Visit us or call for more information. We are located at 29694 Center Ridge Road and our number is 440-899-3544. You can also visit us "virtually" by visiting the city of Westlake's website: www.cityofwestlake.org/Community-Services.