Bristol Seniors Bowl for Exercise and Fun at Dudek

Every Thursday morning, seniors from the area get together with the help of the Bristol Recreation Department and go bowling at in Warren. But don't think they are throwing those duckpin balls "granny style." According to Sarah Klein, assistant director of recreation for the Town of Bristol, the group of seniors, predominantly women, get very involved in the game.

Phyllis Schuster, 78, of Bristol, has gone through a hip replacement, was given an artificial knee and recently went through therapy for torn cartilage in her shoulder, but it doesn't seem to slow her down. Nearly every week, Schuster shows up to play, puts her cane down, and throws that ball down the lane. 

"I used to play with a league for the shoe factory, so I decided, why not play again?" Schuster said.

Although the players are very proud of their skills, they are not competitive. As players take strikes or spares, their friends cheer them on.

"There's no pressure because no matter what the score it, it is a lot of fun," said 85-year-old Pauline Desaulniers, who bowls weekly with her husband, Andre. "We do it for exercise and socializing. We have so much fun."

Mabel Arsenault, 92, loves bowling with the group. 

"It's a fun game," she said after scoring 118 at the end of one game. "Some days you do it, some days you just don't get it. [118] doesn't happen that often. I used to be an average of 88."

And Ruth Miller, a true advocate for exercise, loves that the recreation department offers her a fun opportunity to stay fit and socialize. 

"It gets me out of the house, and sometimes we go to lunch after," she said. "You see people in exercising classes, but it's different. I bowled when I was younger. It's nice."

The program is non-commital and seniors can pay (a discounted rate) as they go. If you are interested in getting out and bowling on Thursday mornings at 9:30, click  for more information.