Strong and Vital No 3

US-National Senior Games Competing into Old Age

Socialise, Compete and Shine Numerous participants are looking forward to finally being able to do again what they love to do: compete with their peers. Since 1987, the event has not only provided an incentive to stay in shape, it has also created a real com munity of older adults who appreciate the combination of fun, fitness and fellowship. The games provide an oppor tunity to stay active and socialise, as well as gain the glory and recognition that competitors crave. These athletes can enjoy being the focus of attention for once. Thy are indeed a true role model for all and deserve admiration, as the oldest age is sometimes even over 100 years. Best Agers across the country prepare to show off their skills and compete for gold, because competitive spirit is not only the prerogative of young people. The sense of competition does not get lost just because you are older. The endeavour to outdo a competitor provides motivation. These athletes can still achieve a lot. But of course this event with a festive touch is not just about competing, although the motivation to keep going also arises from confrontation with others. You recharge your batteries to prepare for further training sessions in the future. After official competitions, there is still time to eat together, chat and simply enjoy the company. A Strong Commitment for Health and Wellness The NSGA conveys the message that even modest trai ning and positive changes in personal behaviour can lead to significant health improvements. After all, health and well-being are extremely important, especially in old age

Anyone who practises sport over the years may want to compete with their peers sooner or later. As a growing num ber of older people exercise, why not consider organising a major competition for senior citizens? Well, such an event already exists! The US National Senior Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world for athletes over the age of 50. They were first organised in 1987 in St. Louis (Missouri). The vision behind this type of competition was purely of a social nature. The aim was to promote a healthy lifestyle for adults through education, fitness and sport. The mastermind of this initiative is the National Senior Games Associ ation (NSGA), a non-profit organi sation dedicated to promoting the benefits of competitive sports, physi cal fitness and active ageing. The National Senior Games take place every two years with more than 20 sports for both men and women. NSGA mem ber organisations hold annual qualifying competitions in every state in the USA, where athletes are tested to deter mine if they meet the necessary criteria for later participa tion in the Senior Games. The competitions can be divided into three categories: • Individual sports • Team sports • Games competitions such as bowling Everyone should be able to find a discipline of sport they like best. Archery, badminton, basketball, beach volley ball, bowling, cycling, golf, power walking, raquetball, football, softball, swimming, table tennis, tai chi, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, powerlifting and more... The choice is really huge.

thinking of longevity. Growing Numbers

The number of registrations for the Senior Games has risen steadily over time. In 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, almost 14’000 athletes took part - a huge increase on the 2’500 ath letes who entered the very first Games in 1987. Over 100’000 spectators watched the first ceremonies of the event, proving that interest exists regardless of the age of the contestants.

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STRONG and VITAL No. 3 - 2024