Humana is turning shopping malls into pickleball courts this month as part of a national effort to promote active living and social connection among older adults. The Louisville-based health and well-being company will host a pop-up pickleball event Oct. 25 at Tyrone Square in St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n
The event follows stops in Illinois and Indiana and comes on the heels of Humana\u2019s National Mall of Pickleball in Washington, D.C. Each location features clinics, open play sessions and community activities designed to show how the sport supports both physical and mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cPickleball is a perfect example of lifestyle medicine in action,\u201d said Dr. Alex Ding, Humana\u2019s deputy chief medical officer in a prepared statement. \u201cIt gets you moving, keeps your mind sharp and connects you with others.\u201d<\/p>\n
The St. Petersburg pop-up is part of Humana\u2019s \u201cInvite\u201d campaign, a nationwide collaboration with Simon, the real estate company that owns Tyrone Square and other major shopping centers. The initiative aims to transform everyday spaces into \u201cvibrant hubs of movement, play and connection,\u201d encouraging participants to see health as part of daily life rather than something confined to clinics or gyms.<\/p>\n
Attendees will be able to join pickleball clinics led by coaches from the Association of Pickleball Players, participate in open or reserved court sessions, and enjoy off-court amenities such as SilverSneakers warm-ups, a backcourt refresh station and injury prevention resources. The event will also include appearances by professional players and fitness personalities.<\/p>\n
Humana\u2019s focus on accessible activity underscores its broader push toward what it calls \u201clifestyle as medicine.\u201d The company views events like these as opportunities to expand access to healthy aging programs and foster connection among older adults.<\/p>\n