By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The impact of mental well-being on athletic performance was a popular topic during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, and the world’s best athletes continued to elevate this conversation during the recent Paris Olympics. Sports influence society, and Olympians spoke up about the importance of managing

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Qualifying trials for the 2024 Paris Olympics are complete, and the best athletes from around the globe will soon compete on the world stage. Also on display in Paris will be the three values of Olympism: excellence, respect and friendship. These are the building blocks

How to Build a Training Plan for the 1 Mile Run By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being I recently signed up for a 5K run four weeks in advance. As a generally active person, I thought this would be enough time to prepare. I soon found out – it wasn’t. My

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The health risks of smoking cigarettes are common knowledge. But did you know that social disconnection can be just as harmful? One study found loneliness is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and can impact health more than obesity and physical inactivity. In

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being During the 2008 Summer Olympics in China, the beauty and wonder of Tai Chi Chun were displayed for the world during the opening and closing ceremonies. Often called “meditation in motion,” this martial art utilizes slow, controlled movements that connect the mind and body. When

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Do you think of yourself as an advocate? As a Senior Games athlete, people notice the example you set. Your involvement shows how sports can transform and enhance anyone’s quality of life, no matter their age. As an advocate for healthy aging, you have the

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The Senior Games movement provides a pathway for individuals ages 50 and over to stay active through sports. We believe that participating in sports positively impacts the lives of seniors, and we want as many people as possible to experience the health and well-being benefits

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being When I think of longevity in sports, I think of professional athletes Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Cal Ripken, Muhammad Ali, Venus Willams and Tom Brady, and Olympians Simone Biles, Edwin Moses, Carl Lewis and Al Oerter, who all competed at the highest levels past the traditional

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana was recently named a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism for creating outstanding economic impact in Pittsburgh and Alleghany County this past summer. We share this award with our incredible participants and partners who fueled The