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 this for myself when l witnessed thousands of adults over the age of 50 feeling the thrill of competition at the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh this summer.
Power Walk competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
If you aren’t active currently or want to mix up your routine, playing a sport may be the way to include more enjoyable physical activity in your life. There are many sports that are popular among adults today including pickleball, volleyball, cornhole, swimming and more.
Active Aging Week, celebrated Oct. 2-8 this year, is the perfect time to create a plan for your path to a more active lifestyle. The National Senior Games Association invites adults of all abilities to find your way to move more through sports and games.
Try this Plan to Move More
- Pick a sport that interests you. Get back into a sport that you played as a youth or try one that you always wanted to learn. Browse the list of sports offered at the National Senior Games for ideas.
- Consult with your doctor. Talk with a medical professional before starting a new physical activity. If you haven’t been active, low-intensity sports like golf, power walk, shuffleboard and cornhole are great starting points. Don’t let the phrase “low-intensity” fool you, these sports still require skill and practice.
- Set a goal. Do you want to jog a mile? Be able to go for a hike with your family? Compete in your local Senior Games? Find your goal and break it down into manageable steps.
- Build your fitness to prevent injuries. If you’re getting into a physically demanding sport, assess your fitness level and where you need to build so you can maximize your enjoyment and stay injury-free. Physical therapists, athletic trainers or certified personal trainers can perform fitness assessments and identify exercises for your needs.
- Connect with other active adults. Engage with your State Senior Games, city or county recreation program, YMCA or a sports club to find people with similar goals who can help you learn. Get in the game and play together.
- Celebrate your milestones and stick with it. Last but not least, celebrate yourself for taking action! When you need a boost of motivation, visit the NSGA Active Aging Week theme page for moving wellness stories from National Senior Games athletes.
Remember what George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” I hope to see you at the next National Senior Games!
- Published in Health & Well-Being, News and Events
James Lewis Finds Senior Games – and a Beautiful Box of Crayons
September 2023 Athlete of the Month
By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist
James Lewis, 68
Harvey, Illinois
No one loves basketball more than James Lewis, and it has been a constant presence in his life. One testimonial to this is his induction into the Masters Basketball Association Hall of Fame. Yet, as deep as his passion is, James has always kept his perspective.
James Lewis, 68, NSGA September 2023 Athlete of the Month.
“My love for basketball has always been secondary to the more important things in life,” he says.
As a rising talent James dreamed of playing college ball and going beyond, but there were other pressing needs. “At the time I was helping my grandparents with their family automotive business and other issues,” he recalls. “In my junior high school year I had an opportunity to enter technical training, so I made my mind up to stay close to home and focus on helping everyone around me.”
“I don’t know if I would have been good enough to play in the NBA,” Lewis told the Chicago Tribune recently. “Maybe overseas. But that’s hindsight.”
Basketball remained his passion after school days by playing in Chicago city leagues, and when he traveled to the South for summers to work fields picking cotton and peas James would still find a way to pull a game together in free time. After beginning his career as a hydraulic technician with Commonwealth Edison, James regularly spent his weekends traveling to compete in the Gus Macker tournament circuit for many years until he was sidelined for a hernia surgery at age 39, followed by an operation on his foot that further complicated a return.
“My son told me, ‘You can’t just sit around doing nothing Dad, you got to get up and move,’ so I started going to the gym at 5 in the morning and got together with a bunch of older guys playing pickup ball,” he notes. “A lot of them were doctors and attorneys and such and that got me back running full court five-on-five a couple times a week.”
A Chicago basketball legend, “Sweet” Charlie Brown, convinced James to start playing masters tournaments around the Midwest. He also later toured the country with a team called “Canusa” comprised of Canadian and American players. In 2022, James started a new journey with Senior Games and helped his J-Town team win a silver medal in the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
“I heard about National Senior Games from some guys I compete against in the Gus Macker circuit who also played in it, and they needed another team member,” he explains. “So I qualified and played in Pittsburgh – and I loved it. I met so many great people from all around the country and even beyond.
“When I was in the Parade of Athletes, I looked back at this long line and it was like it was a box of Crayons,” he adds. “That’s how colorful a portrait of people it was. What I love about sports is that it brings everyone together from all ethnic groups.”
James Lewis sports his silver medal from the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana and the medal he received as a Humana Game Changer.
The more James talks, the more you understand that he loves helping others get in the game as much as playing it himself. In 1992, James and some friends started a nonprofit organization called The Higher Level, and he enjoyed giving back by teaching basketball and life skills to youth in the Chicagoland region until 2016. “You just try to help one person at a time,” he says.
This dedication to serve others helped James earn recognition as a 2023 Humana Game Changer athlete. “I’m appreciative for this recognition because it gives me an extra talking point to get closer to people,” he says. “Now I help other seniors because I’ve seen what inactivity does. Outside of getting my workout in, my joy is in seeing them getting involved. I tell them, ‘Look, life is about moving, you gotta keep moving. Do as much as you can, sit down and get rest if you need it, but when you are able get back up and start moving again.
“The thing about basketball is that you work on so many different aspects of your life if you are committed to the game,” he continues. “Playing ball puts me in my quiet mental space as much as it keeps me physically fit. And for us as a team it’s a fellowship. We’re coming together, checking on each other, helping through injuries like a family.”
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Seven Questions with NSGA CEO Sue Hlavacek
The National Senior Games Association’s new President & CEO, Sue Hlavacek, is a familiar face with a fresh perspective on getting older adults active and involved in competitive sports.
NSGA President & CEO Sue Hlavacek (right) and Track & Field athlete Lillian Atchley at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
Before stepping into the permanent CEO role last month, Sue spent 10 years leading NSGA’s events and programs, including coordinating all sport competitions for the National Senior Games.
Sue is a seasoned athletics professional – from her start as a player in the first U.S. women’s professional basketball league to serving as a coach, educator and athletic administrator at the high school and collegiate levels before joining the NSGA.
She sees the NSGA as well-positioned to engage more adults ages 50+ in active aging through the competition and camaraderie of the Senior Games. Get to know Sue more in this Q&A!
What first drew you to the NSGA?
I heard about the National Senior Games when the event was coming to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, in 2013. That was at the time I left college athletics, and I thought working with The Games would be a great opportunity. I met with David Gilbert, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and interviewed for a Director of Sports position for The Games. I was offered the position and it seemed like a good fit with my athletic administrator and coaching background. Here I am 10 years later!
What are some of the biggest opportunities you see for the organization moving forward?
People often tell me, “I had no idea something like that existed,” when I talk to them about the Senior Games. We have a huge opportunity to increase our marketing so we’re no longer the best kept secret. By growing awareness of the NSGA nationally, regionally and at the state level, we can get more seniors involved in The Games and reaping the benefits of physical activity and social connections.
Do you have a favorite memory from your six National Senior Games as a staff member?
I have many favorite memories, but the best moments for me are when I see athletes of all different skill levels participating in the events and having a great time doing it! The joy, competitive spirit and camaraderie among the athletes is inspiring to watch.
Tell us one thing you wish more people knew about the NSGA.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for athletes ages 50+, both life-long athletes and newcomers, to continue to stay active and healthy. The Games are especially meaningful for women who grew up pre-Title IX and never had a chance to participate in sports as youth. Now is their chance and the Senior Games are an avenue to get involved.
You played a major role in the selection of Des Moines, Iowa, as the host city for the 2025 National Senior Games. What stood out to you about this community?
The people first and foremost. They are genuine, and I know our athletes will feel warmly welcomed. Des Moines also has great venues and has a compact footprint that’s easy to navigate. I just got back from a site visit to Des Moines with our team, and know that 2025 will be special.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to garden, read and take walks on the trails with my Golden Retriever, Finnegan. I also love going out to different restaurants and trying different foods.
What does it mean to you to be the first woman to serve as NSGA’s President & CEO?
I am honored to have this great opportunity to represent the National Senior Games Association. I’m excited to make a difference!
- Published in News and Events, Staff
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.
Simeon Gipson competing in the 40K Cycling race at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
Although exercise truly is medicine, and sports contribute to better physical health, Senior Games participants can still benefit from enhancing their overall wellness. Recent emphasis on mental health by Olympic and professional athletes illustrates the importance of a wellness mindset in sustaining our ability to compete at optimal levels.
The word wellness is common in popular culture today and is associated with many consumer products, from weighted blankets to essential oils. One definition for wellness used by our health and well-being partner, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), says wellness is derived from our ability to understand, accept and act upon our capacity to lead a purpose-filled and engaged life. In doing so, we can embrace our potential – physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental and vocational – to pursue and optimize life’s possibilities.
Activity: Check in on Your Wellness
Building on the outstanding physical wellness scores of Senior Games athletes is a great starting point to look at the other dimensions of wellness.
In honor of Active Aging Week, coming up Oct. 2-8, we compiled stories of how National Senior Games athletes integrate the seven dimensions of wellness in their lives. Use these profiles on the NSGA Theme Page for Active Aging Week as a brief wellness check activity.
- Review each wellness dimension below.
- Go to the NSGA Theme Page to see unique Senior Games athlete stories.
- Consider the reflection statement provided for each dimension of wellness.
Seven Dimensions of Wellness
- Emotional: the ability to process, express and receive emotions in a healthy way.
- Environmental: respect for the natural environment and creating connections with nature through activities like forest bathing.
- Intellectual/Cognitive: the ability to deal positively with the adversities of life.
- Physical: the ability to build healthy habits and practices regarding our physical well-being, as well as the ability to end unhealthy ones.
- Vocational: the ability to get the most out of employment, educational and volunteer opportunities.
- Spiritual: development and practice of a strong personal value system and a meaningful purpose in life.
- Social: create and maintain healthy, life-giving connections with others.
Join us on social media during Active Aging Week, Oct. 2 –Oct. 8, for additional wellness tips.
- Published in Health & Well-Being
The Long Run September 2023
Susan Hlavacek Named NSGA President & CEO
We’re thrilled to announce Susan Hlavacek as the National Senior Games Association’s new President and CEO. Sue was appointed to the position by the NSGA’s Board of Directors on Aug. 18, 2023, after serving as Interim President & CEO since Oct. 2022. She has been with the organization since 2013.
Sue is a seasoned athletics professional – from her start as a player in the first U.S. women’s professional basketball league to working as a coach, educator and athletic administrator at the high school and collegiate levels before joining the NSGA.
Meet Sue and learn about her vision for getting older adults active and involved in competitive sports in this Q&A.
Athlete of the Month
James Lewis Finds Senior Games – and a Beautiful Box of Crayons
James Lewis, 68, is a newcomer to the National Senior Games, but a lifelong devotee to the game of basketball. The sport helps the Illinois native work on different aspects of his life – physical, mental and social – and he is committed to getting other seniors moving.
Read how James, a Masters Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, maintains a healthy perspective on competing in this Athlete of the Month feature. You also need to read to find out why he talks about Crayons when describing The Games!
Games Updates
Anchors Away! Mediterranean Cruise Winner
Congratulations to Darrel Artrip for winning a Mediterranean cruise from Team Travel Source, the NSGA’s Housing Partner for the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Darrel is a Golf athlete and was entered in the drawing when he booked lodging for the National Senior Games through TTS. Happy sailing!
More Opportunities to Compete in 2023
There are still opportunities to compete in your favorite sport or try a new game at a State Senior Games this year. See if a Senior Games are happening near you or find another state to visit on our website.
Note: 2023 is not a qualifying year for the 2025 National Senior Games, but there are still plenty of reasons to play!
Health and Well-Being
More Than Exercise: Seven Dimensions for True Wellness
Although exercise truly is medicine and sports contribute to better physical health, athletes can still benefit from enhancing their overall wellness. Recent emphasis on mental health by Olympic and professional athletes illustrates the importance of a wellness mindset in sustaining the ability to compete at optimal levels.
Explore the seven dimensions of wellness through examples from National Senior Games participants and identify areas to improve your personal well-being in this blog from NSGA Health & Well-Being Director Andrew Walker.
Practical Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Falling
Myth: Falls are a natural part of aging.
Fact: Many falls are preventable.
While research from the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) found National Senior Games athletes report falling less than the general population, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk.
- Add strength and balance exercises into your routine. Tai chi and yoga are great options.
- Have your vision and hearing checked annually.
- Remove tripping hazards from your home.
Read more fall-prevention strategies from the National Council on Aging this Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
Sponsor Spotlight
5 Things SilverSneakers Instructors Know That Other Trainers Don’t
What makes SilverSneakers classes so special? They’re led by supportive instructors who are specially trained in senior fitness.
No matter what your goal, SilverSneakers classes—in person or in your living room—can help you reach it. You’ll have SilverSneakers instructors who are specially trained in senior fitness to guide and support you.
Association News
NSGA Staff Updates
After serving 10 years as the NSGA’s Director of Communications & Media, Del Moon has stepped down to a part-time capacity to open space to pursue other passions. Del shared the stories of countless athletes over the years and garnered major media attention for The Games. In his new role as NSGA Public Relations Specialist, Del will write athlete features and consult on special projects.
Mary Johns is now serving in the Director of Communications & Media role. She is already strongly connected to the NSGA’s mission, having worked on the Media Center team for every National Senior Games since 2015. Mary’s background includes working in strategic communications, public affairs and storytelling for nonprofits.
NSGA Official Partners
Health & Well-Being Partners
NSG Sport Partners
- Published in Newsletter