By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
The National Senior Games have a solid track record of producing positive economic impact for host cities, and the most recent Games in Pittsburgh should prove no different.
But anyone involved with the Senior Games knows its purpose is deeper than dollar signs. The movement celebrates active aging, builds community and camaraderie, promotes the benefits of competitive sports and much more.
As we developed the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana, we set a goal to create impact beyond traditional economic ROI in Pittsburgh by building social capital through volunteerism, increasing participant well-being and enhancing positive perceptions of aging. A key part of this goal was to implement activities that celebrated active aging while engaging both athletes and the community.
I hope you were able to participate in some of these initiatives during The Games!
“Team Dream” Panel Sparks Conversations on Equity and Aging
A screening and panel discussion on the award-winning “Team Dream” documentary held during The Games demonstrated how the art of filmmaking and sports can come together to create a meaningful athlete and community engagement event.
In addition to being a beautiful film, “Team Dream” creatively captures complex issues of equity and ageism while advocating for older adult well-being. The documentary follows swimmers Ann Smith and Madeline Murphy Rabb as they train and compete in the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A sense of inspiration and motivation was felt among audience members after seeing the documentary and listening to a panel conversation with Ann, Madeline and their coach, Derrick Milligan. The event helped attendees appreciate how art, sports, and the lived experience of active elders can create a moving story of what can be accomplished later in life.
Olympic Day Project Bridges Generations through Photography, Sport
The Images of the Senior Games project celebrating Olympic Day engaged Pittsburgh youth with artists and National Senior Games athletes for an immersive learning experience. Pittsburgh Youth Ambassadors and youth with the Manchester Craftmen’s Guild received a virtual training from Art Of The Olympians photographer Marc Serota, then headed out to National Senior Games competitions to photograph athletes in action under the guidance of local artist Julie Rainbow and teaching photographer Germaine Watkins. The youth’s work capturing the joy of participating in the Senior Games was printed and displayed at various events during The Games.
This intergenerational sports photography project showed how youth development and the arts can be an important extension of an active aging sports event.
Village Activities Promote Health & Well-Being
The David L. Lawrence Convention Center and Athlete Village served as a hub of activity for the National Senior Games and hosted multiple older adult well-being and health-building experiences.
- Nearly 900 older adult athletes participated in the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE), our performance improvement and education service. Physical therapists gave personalized feedback to build on athletes’ strengths and reduce barriers to optimal performance.
- Aging Well Pittsburgh Partners Day showcased local older adult serving agencies that provide age-friendly services throughout greater Pittsburgh.
- The Heart of Well-Being experience offered by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Heart and Vascular Institute, included cardiologists providing complimentary advice on heart health.
- Additional medical services for injuries, illnesses or general medical needs were accessible 24/7 for a reasonable flat fee through UPMC Anywhere Care telehealth services.
- National Senior Games presenting sponsor Humana provided an athlete-affirming experience in the Village. An RFID tag in each athlete’s badge triggered personalized supportive messages to appear on digital signage when the athlete walked near, creating a memorable moment.
Along with producing economic impact, the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana generated significant social capital and health dividends during its two weeks in the City of Champions. Western Pennsylvania surely witnessed the beauty of active aging and was moved towards a greater dismantling of ageism, leaving a legacy in which the National Senior Games can be proud.
