By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” is a reminder to take charge of your health.
Older adults are living longer than ever; however, the number of healthy years lived has not kept pace. Actively “championing” your health by advocating for your needs with those who support your well-being will positively impact your quality of life.
It’s important to know how to manage and advocate for your health, access preventive care (covered in this blog) and make informed decisions.
For Senior Games athletes, how you manage your health is just as important as how you train. Speaking up for the support you need to perform your best can help you keep participating in sports throughout your lifetime.
Prepare for Medical Appointments with the My Health Checklist
Have you ever left a medical appointment feeling confused or frustrated? You’re not alone. Healthcare is complex and managing it can be overwhelming.
One way to get the most out of your appointments is to prepare with the My Health Checklist, developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. This practical tool helps you think about your health and identify the most important questions or concerns to discuss with your provider. It focuses on the 4Ms:
- What Matters – Align your care with your personal goals and priorities.
- Mind – Your mood, well-being, mental ability, and memory.
- Mobility – How you’re moving.
- Medication – Ensuring medications are necessary, safe, and effective.
Additionally, this approach combined with the “Ask Me 3” method, will ensure your care is evidence-based, avoids harm and centers on what matters most.
Ask Your Healthcare Provider Three Questions to Champion Your Health
Even well-informed individuals can find talking to healthcare providers challenging. Because asking questions helps you understand how to stay well or to get better, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement suggests asking these three things every time you talk with a healthcare provider.
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Download more information on Ask Me 3 here.
Looking Ahead to the National Senior Games
With the 2027 National Senior Games presented by on the horizon and the 2026 qualifying year underway, it is important to embrace a holistic training plan. Staying competition-ready isn’t only about athletic fitness; it’s also about optimizing your overall health.
Take a more complete approach to your well-being. Use the My Health Checklist and Ask Me 3 to maximize your preventive care visits, wellness checks, sports physicals, physical therapy consults and the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE).
Your health span is directly tied to your ability to keep competing and enjoying The Games. The goal is to sustain a long, healthy, and active journey in sport.
Championing your health today can help ensure many more seasons of competition tomorrow.
Want more to learn more about health & well-being for older adults? Sign up for the National Senior Games Association’s newsletters.
