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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

Two men practice tai chi outdoors.

Tai Chi will Debut at the 2025 National Senior Games. Here’s Why All Athletes Should Try It.

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

Two triathletes in swim caps and goggles pose together for a photo.

Three Ways to Help Your Friends Get Moving

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

Move Your Way Through Sports

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

Art and Practice: Staying in the Game for the Long Term

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

A pack of cyclists racing at the 2023 National Senior Games.

Shared Values, Shared Results: NSGA & Humana

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

Side by side profile photos of National Senior Games swimmers DeEtte Sauer and Herman Kelly.

Senior Games Athletes Make a Difference: You are The Games!

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being As we enter the seasons of gratitude and giving, I think of National Senior Games athletes who give of themselves in service and competition. The Senior Games go beyond a single competition and are an important part of many athletes’ broader lives. The reach of

Two tennis players competing in the men's competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana shake hands over the net.

Advancing Positive Aging Through Sports

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Older adults are living active lifestyles with increasing numbers participating in organized recreational activities, yet many older persons are often prejudged, discriminated against and unfairly stereotyped. These behaviors, attitudes and actions are generally referred to as ageism. Ageism has gone unchallenged over time and in

Two women side by side on a paved road smile mid stride as they compete in the Power Walk competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.

Play a Sport to Move More (6 Steps to Get Started)

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Whether you are 50 or 90, it’s not too late to try a sport or new game. Although many adults change the way they have fun through sports by becoming spectators, you are never too old to experience the joy of playing sports. I saw

Simeon Gipson rounds a corner on his bike during the 40K Cycling race at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.

Wellness Dimensions in the Senior Games

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Research shows a strong association between participation in Senior Games sports and the physical dimension of wellness. Data from the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) conducted at the National Senior Games reveal senior athletes have high levels of cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility and balance. Although