{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/698a47d141bb4de4910eed2d/6a678244a02cbcf2a1aa41ed?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Serving Up Community: How Pickleball is Reinventing Friendship for Seniors","description":"<p>How do you build a rich, vibrant social network as you get older? For thousands of older adults across the country, the answer isn't a traditional club or class—it’s the pickleball court.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>Insights on Aging</em>, host <strong>Steve Lorberbaum</strong> (Caregiving Advocate and Owner of Assisting Hands Potomac) sits down with <strong>Eric Peguero</strong>—certified coach, Maryland Senior Olympics silver medalist, and founder of Main Street Pickleball—to explore the true superpower of America's fastest-growing sport: <strong>community</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p>Eric shares how picking up a paddle led him to meet over 600 people in just 18 months, why the game’s unique rotational setup guarantees you’ll make new friends every session, and how pickleball acts as a joyful, inclusive social equalizer for adults of all physical abilities.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Key Highlights:</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>The Ultimate Social Icebreaker:</strong> How open-play rotations automatically turn former opponents into partners and strangers into regular court-mates.</li><li><strong>Combatting Isolation:</strong> Why social health and staying connected to a lively community are just as vital to healthy aging as physical exercise.</li><li><strong>An Equalizer for All Mobility Levels:</strong> Inspiring stories of how pickleball welcomes everyone—including players recovering from strokes or joint surgeries—so no one feels left on the sidelines.</li><li><strong>From the Court to Happy Hour:</strong> How pickleball naturally expands your social calendar beyond the game, from post-match chats to weekly community gatherings.</li><li><strong>Safe Play so the Fun Doesn't Stop:</strong> Quick tips on gear, eye protection, and court safety so you can stay active with your new crew injury-free.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Featured Guest:</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Eric Peguero</strong> – Founder &amp; Owner of Main Street Pickleball, Certified Pickleball Coach, and Maryland Senior Olympics Silver Medalist.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About the Host &amp; Show:</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Host:</strong> Steve Lorberbaum, Caregiving Advocate and Owner of Assisting Hands Home Care (Potomac).</li><li><strong>Website:</strong> <a href=\"https://assistinghandspotomac.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Assisting Hands Home Care</a></li><li><strong>Subscribe:</strong> Don't forget to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! New episodes air every two weeks.</li></ul>","author_name":"Marianne Bailey"}