SilverSneakers Partners with USA Pickleball and US Senior Pickleball to Expand Opportunities for Seniors in Fast-Growing Sport
SilverSneakers, a leading community fitness program for seniors, is teaming up with USA Pickleball and US Senior Pickleball to help more older adults enjoy the benefits of the fast-growing sport. With pickleball gaining popularity across the country, SilverSneakers is offering skills classes and open play opportunities for its members during National Pickleball Month in April.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball saw a significant increase in players in 2021, with 4.8 million people participating in the sport in the U.S. Of these players, 60% are 55 or older, and 33.7% are 65 or older. To support this growing demographic, SilverSneakers is now providing “Pickleball Strength and Skills” classes and “Pickleball Open Play” sessions through its network of community locations.
Tommy Lewis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Tivity Health, the parent company of SilverSneakers, emphasized the importance of making fitness fun and accessible for seniors. By partnering with USA Pickleball and US Senior Pickleball, SilverSneakers aims to provide seniors with the tools and resources they need to stay active and healthy.
SilverSneakers is also a sponsor of USA Pickleball, supporting the development and growth of the sport in the United States. The collaboration with US Senior Pickleball and the Super Senior International Pickleball Association further enhances the opportunities for seniors to engage in pickleball tournaments and activities.
Stu Upson, Chief Executive Officer of USA Pickleball, encouraged active older adults to give pickleball a try, highlighting the inclusive nature of the sport and the sense of community it fosters among players of all skill levels.
For more information on SilverSneakers and its pickleball initiatives, interested individuals can visit SilverSneakers.com, usapickleball.org, and usseniorpickleball.com. SilverSneakers is available to more than 18 million Americans through various Medicare plans, providing access to fitness programs and resources to support healthy aging.
Overall, the collaboration between SilverSneakers, USA Pickleball, and US Senior Pickleball is set to make pickleball more accessible and enjoyable for seniors across the country, promoting active and healthy lifestyles among older adults.
