Over 60 years ago, boredom at a family backyard gathering on Bainbridge Island in Washington State led Congressman Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—and their families—to invent a new game. Using an old badminton court, they improvised with table tennis paddles, a plastic wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net. From these modest beginnings, pickleball was born, with rules blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Today, the sport is played by two or four players on indoor or outdoor courts. Competitors use smooth-faced paddles to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net until one side fails to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.
According to Pickleheads, a digital hub for pickleball players, there are over 21,985 pickleball courts in 8,970 cities across the United States. In Rhode Island, there are 61 pickleball locations with a total of 246 courts. Of these, 40 locations—with 166 courts—are public and free to use. Rhode Island ranks 58th in the nation for the number of pickleball courts.
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports that , from 2021 to 2024, pickleball became the fastest-growing sport in the nation. Two years ago, CBS Sports reported that 36.5 million people nationwide had played pickleball at least once.
On August 8, designated National Pickleball Day—just before the launch of AARP’s national Pickleball Clinic Tour—the Washington, D.C.-based aging organization released a study exploring older adults’ awareness and participation in the sport. A free Clinic Tour event will take place at Pickleball Citi in Cranston on Wednesday, August 27.
The survey found that nine in ten (91%) adults age 50+ have at least heard of pickleball, and more than half (55%) are either familiar with it or have played at least once. About one in ten (13%) report they have played the game.
According to the survey, when asked which activities have gained the most popularity among people their age in the past two years, 40% of adults 50+ selected pickleball—more than double the second most popular choice, walking/jogging (18%). A third (33%) of older adults familiar with pickleball expressed interest in learning more from experienced players.
A Sport for Families, Friends, and Generations
One of the sport’s biggest attractions is its ability to bring families and generations together. Among 50+ adults familiar with the sport, 81% said pickleball is a game people of all ages can enjoy together. More than half (52%) cited spending time with family and friends as a key benefit. Of those who play, 56% reported playing with family members and 48% with friends.
Pickleball also helps older adults expand their social networks. The AARP study revealed that 71% of 50+ adults familiar with pickleball view it as a great way to meet new people. In fact, 20% of those who play said they have played with individuals they first met at the court.
Beyond fun and socialization, pickleball provides meaningful health benefits. Nearly eight in ten (78%) older adults familiar with the sport say it is a great way to stay physically fit, and nearly nine in ten (87%) consider exercise a major advantage of playing. Two-thirds (67%) also say the sport helps them stay mentally sharp.
Stress relief is another benefit, cited by 46% of respondents. And for many, the simple joy of play matters most: three in four (75%) said pickleball is fun.
“We know that pickleball is particularly popular among our Rhode Island members and the state’s 50 and older population,” said AARP Rhode Island Associate State Director for Community Outreach Darlene Reza Rossi. “It checks so many boxes on the list of activities that can allow people to live healthier lives as they age. Aside from the obvious physical benefits, learning a new skill is an essential element of brain health. And the social part the game provides is another brain-health benefit.
“So, AARP Rhode Island all in when it comes to introducing more Rhode Islanders to pickleball because it aligns with our mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age and our healthy living series, that includes free, online RI Healthy Cooking, Tai Chi/Qigong, Everybody Dance! And Laughter Yoga.”
AARP Pickleball Clinic Coming to Rhode Island
On August 8, AARP launched its 2024 Pickleball Clinic Tour to 20 cities nationwide to promote active aging and multigenerational play.
For Rhode Islanders, AARP will host a free Pickleball Clinic at Pickleball Citi in Cranston on Wednesday, August 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. Participants must sign a General Liability Waiver.
The event will feature an Intro to Pickleball clinic and open play, led by licensed instructors in an inclusive, welcoming environment. Open play will follow a drop-in format, allowing players of all levels to practice in a real game setting. Instructors will help match players by skill level, ensuring both beginners and experienced players can enjoy the sport, meet new people, and stay active.
Registration is free and limited to the first 100 people. To register, visit: www.aarp.org/RIEvents..
In addition to learning the game, participants will also discover AARP’s “Six Pillars for Better Brain Health” and explore opportunities to connect with AARP Rhode Island programs in their community.
So grab a paddle, bring your family or friends, and join the fun—pickleball might just become your new favorite way to stay active, healthy, and socially connected.
Rhode Island joins 11 other states in enacting laws or regulations to protect consumers from fraud at cryptocurrency ATMs, addressing the disproportionate impact on older adults. According to the Washington, DC-based AARP, older adults disproportionately fall victim to Crypto ATM Fraud.
On June 17, 2025, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, put a spotlight on this national issue at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “Scammers Exposed: Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Crime Networks.” At the hearing, the Illinois senator announced the introduction of the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to help end these scams.
Crypto ATMs look like normal ATMs and can be found in 45,000 locations nationwide, including grocery stores and gas stations. The key difference is that instead of depositing money with your bank, a crypto ATM allows customers to purchase cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Crypto ATM scams led to nearly $247 million in losses in 2024, says Senator Durbin, citing an FBI report. Adults over age 60 accounted for more than 67% of the victims of reported crypto ATM fraud.
According to Federal Trade Commission data, nationwide fraud losses through crypto ATMs jumped nearly tenfold from 2020 to 2024 and surpassed $65 million in the first half of 2024.
Bipartisan Support Key to Passage of Crypto Legislative Proposals
Throughout the nation, at the state level, the burgeoning kiosk industry lacks important regulations, making crypto ATMs ripe for criminal fraud, says AARP. With support from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization advocating for America’s older adults, 11 states enacted new laws this year to combat the hundreds of millions of dollars lost annually to crypto ATM fraud. Bipartisan support on both sides of the aisle resulted in passage of legislative proposals in these states – Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
“In state after state, AARP found lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and local law enforcement eager to work on commonsense rules that balance innovation and consumer safety,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, in a statement announcing successful state legislative actions. “With criminals disproportionately targeting older Americans through crypto ATM scams, we’re proud to have helped pass these laws that will better protect millions of people nationwide from having their hard-earned money stolen,” she said.
“Our law that passed the statehouse in Illinois will see consumers at crypto ATMs protected by transaction limits, required ATM registration, guidelines on refunds after fraud, and more,” said AARP Illinois State Director Philippe Largent. “We’re committed to staying on top of this issue and other modern-day fraud trends to ensure that our 1.7 million members in Illinois—and all older adults and their families—are not robbed of their hard-earned money.”
“Nebraska’s new law, which passed on March 6, is hopefully a model for other states – and perhaps even one day the nation,” said AARP Nebraska State Director Todd Stubbendieck. “We know this law is greatly needed, and when the legislation goes into effect in September, we expect it will have a significant impact in helping to deter crypto ATM fraud.”
Rhode Island Passes Protective Crypto Legislation, Too
As Sen. Durbin held his hearing, that day, June 17th, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Senate Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies Committee Chairwoman Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) to protect older Rhode Islanders from the rapidly growing category of scams that use cryptocurrency ATMs to defraud victims. The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee on June 26, 2025.
The Nuts and Bolts
The legislation (S 0016A, H 5121A) states that each crypto ATM operator must register with the Department of Business Regulation as a money transmitter and is required to provide live customer service Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Daily limits would be set to $2,000 per day for new customers and $5,000 per day for existing customers. New customers are defined as utilizing the ATMs of a licensed operator for the first time and for 30 days thereafter. Existing customers include any person who has used the ATM of a licensed operator for more than 30 days after first use.
A new customer can receive a full refund if they report the fraud to law enforcement within 90 days. An existing customer can receive a refund of the transaction fees if they report the fraud to law enforcement within 90 days. In both cases, the customer must notify both the ATM operator and law enforcement.
Operators would be required to provide numerous statutory disclosures (including fees) and warnings to protect and inform users. The company must also provide a detailed paper receipt of all transactions in compliance with statutory requirements.
“Cryptocurrency ATMs are kiosks that allow users to deposit cash and easily convert it into cryptocurrency. We’ve seen victims in our own communities lose thousands of dollars when scammers direct them to send cash through these machines. Rhode Island, compared to some neighboring states, is behind the curve on regulating this new technology,” warned Gu.
“Crypto ATMs are unfortunately an increasingly common way for criminals to get away with their ill-gotten gains, and without increased regulation, this trend will only accelerate,” she said.
“Crypto ATMs look a lot like regular ATMs, and you can find them across Rhode Island in convenience stores, laundromats, liquor stores, and smoke shops. You’ve probably walked by one without even knowing it. They have no transaction limits, and once money is deposited to a scammer, there is virtually no way to recover it. Regulation of these kiosks is long overdue. It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to protect Rhode Islanders—especially the elderly—from scammers and techno-criminals, and this legislation is an important part of fulfilling that responsibility,” said Casimiro.
“This important legislation will deter criminals from using crypto ATMs for fraudulent activity by creating important safety measures and consumer protections. Older Rhode Islanders have worked hard to save for a secure retirement. AARP applauds the General Assembly for ensuring that Rhode Islanders’ savings remain where they belong—and not in a criminal’s digital wallet,” said Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island State Director.
While it was a monumental achievement to pass legislation in so many statehouses across the country, AARP continues its work to push legislative proposals in other states without anti-fraud measures to protect older adults.
If you suspect financial fraud, report it to local law enforcement or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. You can also visit: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline
After a media briefing last week, AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) released a report, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025, that warns of a looming crisis that will impact America’s 63 million caregivers, an increase of 45% over the past decade. The report noted that caregivers are at a “crisis point.” Nearly half reported major financial problems, one in five reported fair or poor health, and more troubling, nearly a quarter felt completely alone.
Congress and state policy makers must grapple with this demographic time bomb, the researchers say. With the graying of America, the number of the nation’s caregivers is skyrocketing. Today, nearly 1 in 4 adults provide ongoing caregiving to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or a disability in the past year. That’s up a whopping 20 million since 2015.
And the “sandwich generation” (caring for children and adults simultaneously) went from 11 million caregivers in 2015 to a whopping 17 million in 2025.
According to AARP, the first report, Caregiving in the U.S. (released in 1997 by the AARP and NAC), is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative data resources on family caregivers in America. The study has been repeated in 2004, 2009, 2015, and 2020, with each edition providing updated information on caregiver demographics and other factors affecting caregiving. This year’s 133-page report is the most comprehensive study of this critical area of American life to date.
Educating the Nation’s Media about Caregiving Issues
At the 52-minute zoom briefing, AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan, stated, “We need systems that see caregivers, value them and support them because they are not just helping families. They’re holding up the entire health care system.”
“Caregiving consistently ranks as one of the important issues to our members across age, geography, race and income,” says Minter-Jordan, calling it a bipartisan issue. “Today’s report is a wakeup call, but it’s also an opportunity to act and we hope it drives real lasting change,” she adds.
Adds Jason Resendez, NAC’s President and CEO, the nature of caregiving is growing more medically complex, with care that had once took place in clinics and hospitals. “We’re talking about managing catheters, administering injections and managing medical equipment. But here’s what’s truly troubling. We’re failing to prepare family caregivers for these responsibilities,” he said.
“We must center caregivers in our policy discussions, not as an afterthought, but as a priority because caregiving is infrastructure, it’s health care and it’s essential to our communities and economies,” says Resendez.
A family caregiver shared her personal story of taking care of her mother with dementia for over 10 years, illustrating the personal and financial tolls caregivers make. “I didn’t plan for this, I stepped into the role because someone I loved needed me. That meant taking time off working and eventually leaving my career in the fashion industry to become my mom’s full-time caregiver, says Alma Valencia, from Pasadena, California. “I hope that one day soon people like me won’t have to do this alone,” says Valencia.
The July 15 press briefing and the releasing of the report is intended to be a “wake up call” to influence public awareness and drive policy changes at the state and federal levels. It was brought up that 8 million family caregivesr relied on Medicaid for their own health coverage, making them vulnerable to Congressional Medicaid cuts and stricter eligibility requirements. By providing stark data on the growth and complexity of caregiving, AARP and NAC hope to influence legislative and administrative decisions affecting Medicaid program.
Painting a Picture of America’s Caregivers
Family caregivers—spanning all ages, races, incomes, and communities—include parents, friends, neighbors, and even children. They help with daily tasks such as mobility, personal care, financial management, and medical procedures. This report explores the essential role these caregivers play in the nation’s fragmented long-term care system, examining both the policies that support them and the gaps that remain.
Who are America’s caregivers?
According to this year’s caregiving report, 61% of the nation’s caregivers are women, while 39% are men.
Although the average caregiver is 51 years old, nearly half are under the age of 50.
Twenty-nine percent of caregivers belong to the “sandwich generation,” providing care for both children and adults. Additionally, 18% have a disability themselves, and 27% care for someone with dementia or cognitive impairment.
Links at the end of this commentary provide further detail on caregiver demographics, including ethnicity, race, income, gender, sexual orientation, and geography.
The findings from Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 underscore that caregiving is more than a role—it’s a full-time job. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report providing over 40 hours of care per week. One-third say they have been caregiving for five years or more.
The latest caregiving report notes that America’s “Sandwich Generation” are stretched very thin. Nearly 1 in 3 caregivers are also raising children under 18 while caring for an adult loved one. This figure rises to 47% among caregivers under 50 and is especially common among Latino (43%) and Black (36%) caregivers.
Caregiving hits you in your pocketbook, the report documenting that financial strain is widespread. Nearly half of caregivers experienced at least one major financial impact—such as taking on debt, stopping savings. One in five can’t afford basic needs like food and housing. Rural caregivers are impacted more because they have less access to affordable services. The challenge is greatest for younger, lower-income, Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ caregivers, the researchers say.
And the report’s findings indicate that the vast majority are still unpaid. While 11.2 million family caregivers now receive some compensation, most are still unpaid. Paid family caregivers are more likely to be younger, lower-income, and racially diverse.
Workplace support is vital for assisting caregiver workers and there is a growing need for companies to step the plate to help these individuals. The report found that 7 in 10 family caregivers are employed on top of their family caregiving responsibilities forcing them to balance these dual responsibilities; half of them report experiencing work disruptions like going in late or leaving early to care for a loved one. More family caregivers than ever report having access to family caregiving related benefits like flex time and caregiving assistance. Salaried workers have dramatically better access to benefits.
Caregivers are facing significant health issues by the burden’s they cope with. One in 5 caregivers report being in fair or poor health, and nearly 23% say they struggle to care for their own health due to caregiving responsibilities. Reports of emotional stress have risen since 2020, with 4 in 10 say they are experiencing emotional stress.
A training gap exists for those caregivers performing more medically complex tasks. Only 11% of caregivers say they have received medical training to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), yet the report finds that 50% of the caregivers help with these tasks. The report finds that just over 20% of caregivers have received formal training on medical and nursing tasks despite over half managing complex medical and nursing tasks like injections, wound care, or medication management – yet 65% of caregivers are helping with any ADLs and almost all caregivers help with any IADLs.
Social isolation can significantly impact both mental and physical health, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and various physical ailments. The report’s findings suggest that caregivers feel more alone and isolated. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report feeling socially isolated—a number that’s growing. Women, LGBTQ+ caregivers, and those who felt they had no choice in becoming caregivers are significantly more likely to report feeling alone.
Finally, the caregiving report called for more support systems to be in place and noted that the existing resources are not keeping pace with the rising demand for family care. Caregivers overwhelmingly support tax credits (69%), paid leave (55%), and programs that pay family caregivers (68%). Almost 40% say respite services would be helpful.
The report calls for immediate, sustained action in policy and practice — from expanding paid leave and respite services to ensuring financial, emotional, and training supports reach the caregivers who need them most.
What’s New in AARP/NAC’s 2025 Caregiver Report?
What is new in the 2025 report? According to AARP, state-level data will now be available, with a separate state report to be released in Fall 2025. Also, for the first time, information is now available to characterize the more than 11 million “paid family caregivers” who participate in caregiver payment programs, such as the Medicaid home and community-based (HCBS) self-direction waivers. And more data on the caregiver experience is available on care coordination and use of other caregiving help, via an expanded Level of Caregiving Complexity Index, in the latest caregiver report.
A final note…
The caregiving crisis is not a partisan issue—it’s an American issue. With over 63 million caregivers anchoring the nation’s health and long-term care systems, Congress and state leaders from both sides of the aisle must rise to meet the changes of this moment. Whether through expanding paid leave, offering targeted tax credits, strengthening Medicaid, or investing in caregiver training, there is broad public support for common-sense solutions. With the release of the 2025 Caregiver Study, AARP and NAC have delivered strong evidence; now it’s time for policymakers—both Republican and Democrat alike to act swiftly—to come together to this Congressional session to craft durable, bipartisan reforms that recognize caregivers not as an afterthought, but as the backbone of our communities.
The Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 survey used a nationally representative, probability-based online panel from IPSOS. The study surveyed 6,858 caregivers aged 18 or older who had provided care for an adult relative or friend 18+, or a child with a complex medical condition or disability within the past 12 months.
The 2025 study was funded by AARP, Pivotal, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Genworth, New York Life, Home Instead, Archstone Foundation, The John A. Hartford Foundation, and Mass Mutual.
LINKS to resources – click on the hyperlink to be taken directly to the report:
Herb Weiss 