Pickleball is more than a recreational activity – it’s a national movement that is transforming how Americans – especially retirees – stay active, connected, and mentally resilient. With an estimated 48.3 million Americans having played pickleball at least once in 2023 (according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association), the sport has solidified its place as the fastest-growing sport in the United States for the third consecutive year.
For retirement communities, this growth reflects a profound shift in how older adults engage in physical activity and social life. As an inclusive, low-impact sport, pickleball offers both immediate joy and long-term wellness benefits.
Pickleball’s Mental Health Advantage
Unlike many sports that demand high-intensity exertion or advanced coordination, pickleball welcomes players of all fitness levels. Its slower pace, compact court, and easy-to-learn rules make it particularly appealing to older adults. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that older adults who engage in regular pickleball play experience significant reductions in depression, loneliness, and anxiety, along with improved cognitive sharpness.
Pickleball fosters more than just physical activity – it creates meaningful social interaction, a critical factor in combating isolation. As researchers increasingly recognize, social connectedness is as vital to longevity as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Tellico Village: A Community Transformed
Nowhere is pickleball’s power more evident than in Tellico Village, a vibrant retirement community in East Tennessee. What began as a leisure option has become a cornerstone of community life.
“When I joined, the club had around 600 members,” says Gordon Young, President of the Tellico Village Pickleball Club. “Now, we’ve surpassed 1,000 members and are still growing.”
That growth illustrates the sport’s wide appeal and the sense of camaraderie it fosters. Young says members collectively log nearly 400,000 hours on the courts annually.
“It’s not just about the game,” Young adds. “It’s about connection, joy and purpose.”
The club also gives back through benefit tournaments. Its flagship event, the Annual Open Tournament, draws participants from over eight states, with nearly 300 players and thousands of spectators. In 2024, the event raised a record $42,500 for the Tennessee Special Olympics.
Expanded Facilities and Youth Outreach
To meet growing demand, the club completed a major expansion in Spring 2025. It now has 12 courts in the Main Village – four of them covered – plus four more in the Kahite neighborhood.
“We added new infrastructure, including four covered courts for year-round play,” Young explains. “We also added four permanent courts to our Kahite neighborhood and completed major renovations to existing facilities.”
The club also supports youth programs. “We donate paddles, nets, and offer instruction,” Young said. “It’s about building a healthy, active future – one generation at a time.”
Each year, the club welcomes 250–300 new players through its orientation and training program. “People are amazed at how quickly they improve and connect,” Young said.
