National Senior Games Association (NSGA)
It's Never Too Late
The thought of trying something new - especially a physical activity - can be intimidating.
You might feel like you’re too old, too out of shape or too busy. Maybe you’re facing a health challenge that limits what you can do.
“It’s never too late” and “There’s a sport for everyone” are two of our favorite mantras at the National Senior Games Association. We've seen them ring true time and again!
Meet two people who show that anything is possible.
Sherry, 69
Sherry has a chronic lung disease called Sarcoidosis. Six years ago, she needed a walker and oxygen to get around.
In 2019, while cheering on her sister at the National Senior Games, Sherry was inspired to get moving for her health.
As she increased her physical activity, Sherry’s flare-ups improved. She found sports she enjoys - Cornhole, Power Walk and Shuffleboard - and started competing in Senior Games. Today, she no longer uses a walker or oxygen.
“When I talk to the members of my Sarcoidosis support group, I talk to them about trying to get into a place of more healthiness and to find what your exercise might be,” Sherry shares. “I set my goal to compete, but for other people, it could be to just get up and do an activity 15 minutes a day.”
Gary, 76
Life threw two major curveballs at Gary in his mid-60s. First, a severe bout of fibromyalgia. Then, while in the midst of difficult treatment for the condition, Gary’s wife passed away.
“It really cratered me, and I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t leave the house for three months,” he shares.
Eventually, something clicked in Gary, and he made the decision to move forward by reinventing himself. He started working out with a personal trainer three days a week and taking long walks on his days off.
This led to entering a local 5K race, which hooked Gary on running. He later found the Senior Games and this summer competed in his second National Senior Games.
“I always look for opportunities that interest me, and I’m not afraid to push the reset button,” he says. “I’ve got the rest of my life ahead, and there’s no reward without risk.”
Image credit: Andrew Rush/AP Images for Humana Inc.
The message? Start where you are, do what you can and keep moving forward through challenges.*
From pickleball to power walking, sports are one gateway to physical activity. You can find what lights your competitive spirit by participating in a Senior Games event. These are open to people aged 50 and above and offer a variety of sports. Beginners welcome!
Find a Senior Games near you by visiting NSGA.com/State-Games-Information.
*Consult with your doctor before starting a new physical activity.
More Resources
One-Pager: Research findings on the health and fitness of senior athletes.
Personal Best Stories: Meet people ages 50+ who demonstrate their personal best by overcoming challenges and obstacles, staying motivated throughout life and inspiring others by their example.
About NSGA
The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to adults 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for seniors. To learn more about Senior Games opportunities at the local, state and national level, visit NSGA.com and follow @SeniorGames1 on social media.