Beyond Fitness: This Mindset Helps Athletes Thrive
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Senior Games athletes have impressive levels of physical fitness, particularly in aerobic fitness and balance. Research from the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) shows that Senior Games participants far exceed recommended levels of regular physical activity. Compared to the general population of older adults, they
- Published in Health & Well-Being
This Running Couple is Still Going Steady
By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Tim Vigil, 61 Rita Vigil, 58 Santa Fe, New Mexico Tim and Rita Vigil love running almost as much as they love each other. They are living proof that you enjoy your best quality of life by doing all the right things, and they are still doing it together in
- Published in News and Events, Personal Best Featured Athletes
Show and Tell: Retired Teacher Demonstrates Fitness and Physics
December 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Glenn Govertsen, 81 Missoula, Montana Glenn Govertsen has an alter ego. He’s made physics cool to thousands of students across the country as “Mr. G,” host of a high-energy science show. The same infectious curiosity that fuels his passion for science has led Glenn
- Published in Athlete of the Month
How Senior Games Athletes Show the Power of Sport
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being During this season of gratitude, we are thankful for how Senior Games athletes demonstrate the power of sports—the power to unite, inspire and spark social change. Senior Games athletes inspire as they train and compete. They contribute to research on healthy aging so others can
- Published in Health & Well-Being
National Senior Games Earn Fifth “Champion of Economic Impact” Award
The National Senior Games have been recognized once again as a win for host communities. The multi-sport championship for athletes 50 and over was recently named as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism for the fifth time by Sports Destination Management. The 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, held in Des Moines,
- Published in News and Events
Skilled and Chilled: “Drea C” Takes the Pressure Off on the Track
November 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Andrea Collier, 59 Orlando, Florida Many athletes have to overcome feelings of anticipation and stress when they compete. The pressure to perform can be even more intense for elite athletes who chase medals and records after months and years of serious training and preparation.
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Born to Coach
By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Donald Widener, 68 Suffolk, Virginia Not everyone knows what they want to do with their life as a young teen, but Donald Widener did – with a little help from his sister and a perceptive coach. Donald almost didn’t make it out of the hospital – he was a premature
- Published in Personal Best Featured Athletes
Understanding Ageism and How You Can Promote Age Inclusivity
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Older adults often experience ageism—being stereotyped or discriminated against in ways that negatively impact their health and well-being. In recognition of Ageism Awareness Day, the American Society on Aging (ASA) recently shared key findings on the impact of ageism: The Impact of Ageism Financial well-being:
- Published in Health & Well-Being
Davis Johnson is Going the Distance for Disc Golf
October 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Davis Johnson, 75 Monson, Massachusetts From the time he laid hands on his first Frisbee in 1965, Davis Johnson became obsessed with throwing it as far as he could. That would lead to getting his name into the Guinness Book of World Records as
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Better Balance Supports Sports Performance and Daily Living
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) states that neuromuscular training—alongside cardiorespiratory, resistance and flexibility exercise—is essential for maintaining health. A core component of neuromuscular training is balance, which is especially important for both sports performance and falls prevention in senior athletes. Good balance is
- Published in Health & Well-Being