Blog Post

Let’s just get this straight. Pickles have nothing to do with it, despite what its name suggests. This misnomer belongs to one sport that is claiming title after title as the greatest generational equalizer. Challenging you to step onto any court, you’ll quickly realize why it’s sweeping the nation, even despite its sour name. It’s the only sport that has simultaneously become the best pick-up sport for young singles and the fastest-growing athletic pursuit for adults 55 and older. Maybe it’s because of its unique way to be all things to all people. Competitive yet casual, strategic yet social, easy to learn but endlessly engaging.

Born from a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is part game, part lifestyle and perfect for the 55+ lifestyle communities. The appeal extends beyond exercise and also creates community connection, camaraderie, and creating a home on the court. 

But what makes this sport such a game-changer? We spoke with Colleen Shearer, a former coach of women’s lacrosse at James Madison University and the University of Virginia, who is now channeling her love of competition into a brand-new pickleball facility in Charlottesville, called C'Ville Smash.

55+ Pickleball.

For many older adults, staying active can be a challenge—finding the right activity, dealing with joint pain, or simply feeling out of place in traditional sports settings can make it difficult to keep moving. That’s where pickleball comes in. 

“It’s incredibly accessible,” says Shearer. “With tennis, you often need to find the right partner with the same skill level, and it can get expensive if you want to play indoors. Pickleball is different—it’s affordable, social, and welcoming to all levels.”

And research backs up the health benefits:

• Approximately 70% of older adults 55+ report reduced stress and anxiety after playing pickleball, according to the New York Post.
• Participants often engage in over 68 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per session, enhancing heart health, according to North Carolina State University.
• Studies also show that physical activity in older adults reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depression.

Shearer points out that the sport’s smaller court size makes it especially appealing. “You don’t have to cover as much ground, so it’s easier on the joints while still keeping you active. Plus, because it’s a doubles game, you’re always engaged without the same physical demands as singles tennis.”

Everyone’s Sport.

Pickleball isn’t just about fitness—it’s also about fun. Shearer says one of the things she loves the most about the sport is the ability to make the game whatever you want it to be for you. Where some days, it’s just about getting outside and having a good time with friends. Other times, it’s a serious workout with intense, competitive play. Either way, you leave feeling energized.

“Pickleball is a social movement,” Shearer explains. “For older adults, it offers a sense of community, purpose, and routine. You get to meet new people, stay active, and most importantly, have fun.”

This balance between social play and competition is one of the key reasons it’s taken off in active adult communities like those developed by Cornerstone Homes. Recognizing its undeniable popularity, Chickahominy Falls, Virginia’s first 55+ Agri-Hood, is introducing brand-new pickleball courts as part of its final phase of development. For this award-winning community, wellness has always been at the core. Now, with dedicated courts, residents will not only have another way to stay active but also a thriving pickleball club, complete with friendly rivalries, spirited competition, and, most importantly, a home court advantage. And at Spring Creek, a vibrant all-ages lifestyle community in Charlottesville, pickleball has become part of the daily rhythm. You’ll hear the familiar hollow pop of the ball on most days, as neighbors of all ages come together to play. 

“The beauty of the game is that it bridges generations,” Shearer adds. “You can see 60-year-olds playing with 20-year-olds, grandparents playing with grandkids. It’s a true community sport.” 

C’Ville Smash will feature nine indoor courts, locker rooms, a small fitness center, and a social area with beer, wine, and grab-and-go food options. The goal? To create a pickleball hub that caters to both competitive players and those looking for a fun, social activity. So, whether you’re perfecting the finesse of a dink shot or just here for the post-game laughs, one thing is certain: pickleball isn’t a passing trend, it’s here to stay. And in communities like Cornerstone Homes, that means more than just a good game. It means a whole new way to live, play, and belong.