When we first spoke with Joyce Jones, we knew right away she was a Blue Zones All Star. Joyce, at 94 years young, is a competitive pickleball player who learned the sport from its creator, Joel Pritchard! Pickleball is a true blue zone sport - it involves natural, low intensity movement, is a great way to make social connections and there are no barriers to entry. Joyce Jones is living proof that age is just a number. This year alone, she’ll have traveled from her home in Seattle to Arizona, Utah, California, and Texas to play pickleball, both competitively and recreationally. Joyce is even on track to compete in the National Senior Olympic Games in 2025! 

In addition to being a top tier pickleball player, Joyce is also a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a bit of a celebrity in the pickleball community. She met her late husband Don while playing badminton, and they ended up teaching their whole family how to play pickleball after they fell in love with the sport. She’s won all sorts of medals and titles in her decades of playing and continues to inspire players of all ages every day.  

So what’s her secret? Joyce is humble as ever, and attributes her success to a mix of good genes, no smoking, no drinking, and just being a competitive soul. She also says eating “blue zones food” has helped her on her longevity journey. Aside from a hamstring that gives her trouble here and there, Joyce is incredibly healthy for her age, and a great example of how eating right, having a strong sense of purpose and being part of a community are ingredients for a life crafted for longevity. Her favorite Blue Zones Kitchen meal? The Sesame Ginger Bowl!