At 70, Bill Gates Says Five Decades of Pickleball Keep Him Fit and Fulfilled

At 70, Bill Gates projects vitality and an approachable kind of well-being. The Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist attributes much of his lasting energy not to extreme workouts but to a simple, decades-long habit: playing pickleball, a pastime he has enjoyed for over 50 years.

Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis into an accessible court game. Its gentle learning curve and low impact on joints make it suitable for many ages. Gates first gripped a paddle in his teens and continues to relish the sport for fitness, fun and time spent with loved ones.

A Lifelong Passion for Pickleball

In a 2022 blog post, Gates reflected on his long relationship with the game, saying, “I’ve been a ‘pickler’ for more than 50 years.” What began as a niche pastime has surged into widespread popularity.

Pickleball has grown rapidly in the United States, now played by more than 4.8 million people. Its player base expanded by almost 40% in just two years, a sign of how quickly the sport has captured public interest.

Gates often notes how simple it is to begin. He explains that basic strokes take only minutes to learn, the ball travels slower than a tennis serve, and matches are typically short and lively — all ingredients that make the game inviting.

What Makes Pickleball So Special?

For Gates, pickleball is as much about connection as it is about exercise. He enjoys playing with friends and family and aims to get on court at least once a week, increasing frequency during warmer months.

The sport requires minimal gear — a net, a paddle and a ball — and adapts well to indoor or outdoor settings, smaller courts and even backyard setups.

The Health Benefits of Pickleball

Medical experts say pickleball supports both physical and mental health. A 2023 Cleveland Clinic report highlights several key advantages of regular play:

Improve heart health – Playing helps build stamina and supports healthy blood pressure.

Strengthen muscles and bones – Repeated, moderate movements contribute to stronger limbs and joints.

Enhance balance and coordination – Quick footwork and positioning sharpen stability and body control.

Boost brain health – The mental focus and tactical choices in each rally keep cognitive skills engaged.

Physicians recommend that older adults take sensible precautions: warm up, stay hydrated, and wear supportive footwear to lower the risk of injury.

Pickleball: The Sport Everyone Loves

The game’s appeal has reached well beyond community courts; celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt have been seen playing. Its combination of playfulness, fitness and social time has made pickleball a fixture in parks and clubs worldwide.

For busy figures such as Gates, the sport also offers stress relief. After long stretches of intense work, he says returning to the court helps him relax, refocus and feel younger.

A Lesson in Simple Fitness

Gates’ experience underscores that staying healthy does not always require elaborate regimens. Often, choosing a joyful, consistent activity is enough to support long-term wellbeing.

For him, pickleball is more than exercise — it is a lasting habit built on enjoyment and routine, one that keeps both his body strong and his mind engaged.