By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
An athlete tests their balance during the SAFE exam at the 2025 Games. Image via Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam Facebook page.
The Senior Games movement celebrates active aging, fosters social connection and empowers older adults by providing opportunities to engage in competitive sports. A key part of our health and well-being goals for the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana was to offer activities that both celebrated active aging and provided valuable athlete services.
In addition to being the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for individuals 50 and older, the Senior Games leverages its platform to promote optimal aging for athletes, participants and the host community during our biennial sports festival.
Athlete Services and Community Well-Being Events
Throughout The Games, athletes participated in the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE), receiving complimentary assessments of cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility and balance fitness. Each participant also received personalized performance guidance from expert physical therapists.
A screening of the “Team Dream” documentary highlighted the inspiring journey of two women training to compete in The Games, sharing both their personal experiences with accessibility in public swimming pools and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women athletes from the pre–Title IX era. An engaging panel discussion with the film’s subjects, Ann Smith and Madeline Murphy-Rabb, followed.
Team Dream screening and panel discussion.
Hundreds of athletes, families and community members joined Optimal Aging Day in Iowa, participating in health screenings, interactive learning activities and wellness education. This event was made possible through partnerships with the University of Iowa Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, University of Iowa Injury Prevention Program, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa Public Health Association, National Council on Aging, Des Moines Area Community College, Drake Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and the Midwestern Alzheimer’s Association.
Optimal Aging Day in Iowa in front of the state capitol building.
U.S. Olympians Thomas Hill (1972) and Ed Banach (1984), along with USA Badminton Medical Lead Dr. Rajeev Trehan, shared mental performance strategies designed to help athletes enhance focus, manage competition stress and improve results.
Left to right: Ed Banach, Dr. Rajeev Trehan, Thomas Hill and Carla Ruff.
Tai Chi also made its debut as an official sport at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. On July 25, Master Kevin Sun led a fundamentals workshop for registered tai chi competitors and hosted a specialized seminar for Taiji for Health instructors seeking certification. (Here’s why all athletes should try tai chi.)
