Powered by Connection
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 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory on the loneliness epidemic in the U.S. and the healing effects of social connection and community. The report revealed that about one-in-two adults reported experiencing loneliness in recent years.
May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” is timely. The National Senior Games Association joins the Administration for Community Living in recognizing the power of social connections on health and well-being for older adults.
Senior Games athletes often note that camaraderie and community are two primary reasons they participate. Many athletes also form relationships by volunteering, teaching and mentoring in sports and other passions.
As we work to stay connected and help others battling loneliness, here are a few ways you can contribute to social connectedness.
- Reach out to others when you’re struggling with loneliness or isolation. You’re not in this alone!
- Participate in social and community groups such as fitness, religious, hobby, professional and community service organizations.
- Seek opportunities to serve and support others, including family, co-workers, and friends.
- Minimize distraction during conversation to increase the quality of your time with others.
- Take time each day to reach out to a friend or family member who may be experiencing isolation. A simple call or text goes a long way.
- Be civically engaged.
In our home state of Florida, the NSGA, Florida Senior Games and Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays are teaming up to recognize Older Americans Month and Senior Games athletes during the Rays game on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Although most of our readership is outside Florida, we invite you to encourage family and friends in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area to join us at Tropicana Field to celebrate the contributions of older adults. A special lower-level ticket with a Rays hat is available for our group and can be purchased here.
Wherever you are, make time to connect with others. You will experience the joy of helping someone while investing in your personal well-being.
- Published in Health & Well-Being, News and Events
Fitness and Tradition Keep New Mexico Couple Moving
May 2024 Athlete of the Month
By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist
Joseph Leonard Loretto,78
Felipita Loretto, 75
Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico
Senior athletes know that you need to move to enjoy longevity. Joseph Leonard Loretto and his wife Felipita just celebrated their 56th anniversary, and they say time has taught them that advice also applies to having a successful relationship.
The couple, who are tribal members of the Jemez Pueblo, have bowled together for decades and are also runners. Both have been regulars in the New Mexico Senior Olympics since they became eligible and have participated in the National Senior Games when possible since 2009.
Leonard stays busy as the owner of a custom woodcrafters business, and Felipita is a certified fitness instructor at the Jemez Senior Center. They both perform occasional tribal duties as well.
Leonard started National Senior Games in Palo Alto, California, in 2009 and his wife joined in for Houston, Texas, in 2011. His work prevented him from competing in 2017 (“I felt so bad I was going alone,” she recalls) and both ironically could not participate when The Games were in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2019. “There were some traditional duties we were required to do at the same time as The Games,” he says. “It was right there in our backyard, but some things are more important.”
A Tribal Running Tradition
Running has a deeper meaning to them than most because of The Runners of Jemez, a society rooted in tribal history and tradition. Leonard, who has completed the Pikes Peak Marathon 13 times, is a member and realizes eyes are on him. “The society hosts traditional 3-mile runs, and the men run barefoot,” he says. “We have to show people we can run, especially the youth. You can’t force people to do something, but we can be an example to show that we can do a lot of things at our age.”
Felipita, who also ran one full and one half marathon at Pikes Peak, recalls there was only volleyball for girls during her school years, so she started running for fitness in her late 20s. Attending fitness classes inspired her to become a group fitness instructor, and she now holds several certifications. As a Certified Community Health Worker, she focuses on serving people with diabetes at the pueblo. “We try to educate our people about what it is and how to manage it,” she says. “I conduct senior fitness classes three times a week at the senior center, and I hope to start a tai chi class soon.”
Both agree that doing sports together and encouraging each other has been an important part of their bond. “I like spending time doing these things with Leonard because he works so much and I have my job,” she notes. “We have fun bowling together. He is my mentor and my motivator and encourages me to keep going with running.”
Leonard had more experience with school sports and played with the Jemez Blackhawks in Indian baseball leagues through the years. He recognizes he was a role model to Filipita but now says the tables have turned. “She’s the one who keeps me moving more and more now,” he testifies. “With her doing her exercise classes, it makes me feel bad to sit and watch TV. She motivates me to get up at 6 a.m. and go to my exercise and ride on my bike. I also have a bike at the shop to ride on breaks.”
The Lorettos have never reached the medal stand in national competition, but awards are not as important to them as taking the journey. “I always say that we are all winners when we cross the finish line and prove we can do it,” Leonard says.
The couple is excited to go to Des Moines in 2025 and have enjoyed traveling around the country as much as their competitions. “When you get out of the reservation and your work, it’s already a vacation,” Leonard jokes.
- Published in Athlete of the Month