Considering Senior Games? “Don’t Wait Until You Feel Ready”
Are you looking for a new challenge or spark after 50? Do you want to make a change for your health or find community?
During National Senior Games Week sponsored by CareScout, we’re sharing the stories of two athletes – Mark and Stefanie – who found more than they ever imagined through Senior Games.
Their stories may inspire you to take the leap to find or return to a sport you love. It’s never too late!
Image courtesy Mark Smith.
“I never dreamed retirement would be so fun.” – Mark Smith, Cycling
Mark Smith took up cycling again in his mid-50s after a 20-year break. He was struggling with his weight and type 2 diabetes, and the increase in physical activity improved both.
Retirement a few years later opened the door for Mark to double down on cycling and his health. The first year, he rode 10,000 miles; the following two years, 17,000 miles!
Another door opened when Mark saw a post about the Alabama Senior Olympics. He had missed the registration deadline, but committed himself to training for the next year. In 2024, Mike competed and qualified for the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
His eyes were locked on the new goal of competing at Nationals, and he increased his mileage even more. The work paid off – Mark earned 8th place in his age group for the 10K Time Trial.
“The health benefits of cycling have had a major impact in my life, but the wonderful people I have met along the way have been a true blessing. That family of people grew so much through both the Alabama Senior Olympics and the National Senior Games,” Mark shares.
“I love racing, but it is the friends I have made that will bring me back again. I never dreamed retirement would be so fun.”
Image courtesy Stefanie Batiste.
Don’t Wait Until You Feel “Ready” – Stefanie Batiste, Basketball
Like many young athletes, Stefanie Batiste dreamed of competing in the Olympics.
“…I imagined what it would feel like to represent something bigger than myself, to push my body to its limits, and to stand proud knowing I gave it everything I had,” she says. “I never imagined that at 60 years old, that dream would finally come true. Yet here I am, having competed in three Senior National Games, and my life has been forever changed.”
How did she get there?
Stefanie played a variety of sports growing up and competed in kickball nationally as an adult. In her mid-50s, she decided it was time to find a new sport. Or in this case, sports! Basketball and track & field were her picks.
She found a basketball team and competed in her first National Senior Games in 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “That experience was unforgettable. Two weeks on the beach, surrounded by competition and camaraderie, reminded me why I loved sports so much,” Stefanie recalls.
Hungry for more, Stefanie formed a new team – the ATL Lady Hawks. She’s invested her heart, soul and financial resources in building the group, which now has teams in three age groups. Most recently, the ATL Lady Hawks overcame challenges and had a strong showing at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, finishing 1st, 4th and 6th.
For Stefanie, joining Senior Games changed her entire perspective.
“Competing again reminded me who I was at my core. It shifted my focus completely toward my health, my well-being, and living with intention. I train with purpose now. I eat better. I take care of my body. More importantly, I take care of my spirit.”
Her advice to others who are considering trying Senior Games?
“Just start. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Ready comes after you begin. You don’t have to be the fastest or strongest to belong if the desire is there; that’s enough. The bravest step is simply deciding to try. Once you do, confidence and strength will meet you along the way.”
Well said! Learn how to start your Senior Games journey at NSGA.com/start-here.
- Published in News and Events, Senior Games Blogs
Humana Returns as Presenting Sponsor of 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games
Senior athletes train with discipline and purpose — and for 20 years, Humana, Inc. has matched that commitment as presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games.
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The National Senior Games Association announced Wednesday that Humana will return as the presenting sponsor of the 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games, a biennial multi-sport championship for athletes ages 50 and over.
The 2027 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from June 30 to July 11, 2027. The event is expected to draw more than 12,500 participants to compete in 28 sports. In 2029, The Games will be hosted in Birmingham, Alabama.
“We’re grateful for Humana’s unwavering partnership in promoting active aging and providing a platform for older adults to compete on the national stage,” said Susan Hlavacek, NSGA President & CEO. “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Games, we are excited to foster the continued growth of senior athletics with Humana’s support.”
The National Senior Games is part of the broader Senior Games movement, which champions physical activity and social connection through local, state and national level events.
“For more than two decades, Humana has been inspired by the athletes of the National Senior Games. Their dedication reflects the heart of Humana’s purpose: helping people achieve their best health through physical, mental and social well-being,” said David Dintenfass, Humana’s President of Enterprise Growth. “We’re honored to support a community that shows us what is possible when passion, resilience and connection guide the way.”
Sports offered at the event continue to expand, providing opportunities for a wide range of athletes to participate. New to the lineup for 2027 are bocce, climbing, flag football, dance and shooting.
Many National Senior Games sports require qualification through a 2026 State Senior Games, while select sports are open to all adults ages 50+. Learn more at NSGA.com.
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About the National Senior Games Association
The National Senior Games Association, Inc. (NSGA) is a nonprofit corporation that promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to adults 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and produces the biennial National Senior Games, one of the largest multi-sport events in the world for athletes ages 50+. The Association is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. For more information, visit NSGA.com and follow @SeniorGames1 on social media.
About Humana
Humana (NYSE:HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.
- Published in News and Events, Press Releases
Active Recovery: Speed Up Healing with Tai Chi and Qigong
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
You train hard to be the best you can be in your sport. But do you spend enough time on your workout recovery?
Athletic fitness is built through the process of exercise overload, where we gradually increase the duration, amount and frequency of exercise. A good training program allows our body to handle incrementally greater amounts of work.
Our bodies adapt to the stress of workouts, and our muscles, bones and cardiovascular system increase their capacities. Over time, we can exert more strength and perform at a higher intensity. Simply put, we’re more fit!
Recovery is Essential to Training
A key element in this process is rest and recovery. Athletes who want to optimize their conditioning process to qualify for the National Senior Games need to include healthy workout recovery strategies in their training programs.
In addition to sleep, our bodies need an appropriate mix of low- and high-intensity workouts to replenish energy stores and support muscle recovery and growth. Being mindful of effective post-workout recovery is essential.
Including active and passive recovery strategies supports the adaptation and overload process.
Examples of passive recovery are:
- Massage guns
- Cold and heat therapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Assisted stretching
Common active recovery strategies include:
- Low-intensity workouts
- Body weight workouts
- Walking
- Light jogging
- Cycling
These activities create movement, increasing blood flow throughout the body.
Tai Chi as a Workout Recovery Strategy
Although not commonly considered active recovery, Tai Chi and Qigong meet the criteria for effective recovery strategies. They increase circulation enough to facilitate the movement of nutrients needed for the repair and growth of energy systems, bone, connective tissue and muscles.
Existing for centuries, Tai Chi for health and Qigong are series of movements commonly used for health and healing in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Research has found both are beneficial for health and well-being. Tai Chi for health is rooted in the internal branch of Chinese martial arts known as Tai Chi Chuan.
Tai Chi for health is a series of movements that flow from one form to another. When practiced primarily for health, Tai Chi can be considered a form of moving Qigong.
This continuous movement over several minutes makes Tai Chi an effective recovery activity to integrate into one’s overall training plan.
Learning Tai Chi for Health
It is best to learn both Tai Chi for health and Qigong from a teacher. Look for classes at Chinese martial arts schools and cultural centers, recreation centers, YMCAs, and in community education classes at colleges, hospitals, and HMOs. The Arthritis and Parkinson’s Foundations also offer Tai Chi for health.
Online introductory resources include the following.
- For an introduction and a free lesson, watch the “Tai Chi for Beginners Video” by Dr. Paul Lam.
- For more on Qigong, see “Qigong: What You Need to Know.”
- National Veteran Golden Age Games athletes can get specific Tai Chi for health information from the Veterans Administration here.
Tai Chi for the Long Run
In addition to being a great training recovery strategy, Tai Chi Chuan is one of the newest National Senior Games sports. It will be an Open Sport for the 2027 National Senior Games, meaning anyone age 50 or older by Dec. 31, 2026, can compete.
Tai Chi Chuan is a perfect second sport to add for the 2027 Games. Athletes can participate in Tai Chi Chuan across a lifetime (the oldest competitor at the 2025 Games was 93!) – extending your Senior Games journey for the long run.
- Published in Health & Well-Being
Hoops & Hops
March 2026 Athlete of the Month
By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller
Kinney Baughman, 72
Vilas, North Carolina
Basketball
Photo courtesy Kinney Baughman.
Some people stand out in a room. In the midst of the boisterous action and noise of men’s Basketball at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, Kinney Baughman quietly drew our attention as he stood courtside. While Kinney is tall, it was his Einstein-esque hairdo, piercing eyes and beaming smile that struck us.
The kicker was glancing down to see that he was barefoot. Does he really play basketball barefoot?
“No, I just don’t like to wear shoes between games because I want my feet to dry out,” he replies with a laugh. “But yeah, I’m an old country boy from South Carolina. I grew up going barefoot and have always had a barefoot running style.”
Kinney reveals he’s a lifelong athlete. He enjoys running, but his main sport is basketball. He was the first from his small high school to obtain an athletic scholarship (to Appalachian State University) and went on to compete professionally in Europe for one year as a young adult.
Decades later, he found Senior Games and opened a new chapter that includes returning to international basketball competition as a masters athlete.
“I just never saw this coming,” he says. “If you told me that I’d still be playing competitive basketball on the level that I’m playing at 72 years old, I’d have said you’re out of your mind. All of a sudden, I find myself with this organization and making friends. It’s been great.”
Kinney, #8, competing with the Land of Waterfalls team at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
A Brush with Greatness, and the Country Boy Goes to Belgium
One college highlight was playing for Press Maravich, father of the legendary “Pistol Pete” Maravich, when the coach came to Appalachian State University from LSU.
“I idolized Pete because we’re about the same body type. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world that I was going to be playing for Press Maravich,” he recalls.
It did not turn out quite as he hoped at first. “I was recruited by the former coach, and I rode the bench most of that senior year,” he laments. But when his team was taking a beating by the Citadel later in the season, Maravich threw Kinney into the game in exasperation. He did not disappoint and played a significant role for the rest of the season. He even asked Kinney to join a team he was going to coach in Sweden after he graduated, but at the time, it didn’t work out.
After earning his philosophy degree, Kinney built log cabins and helped a close friend restore the Profile Trail on nearby Grandfather Mountain while waiting for his next inspiration. But the seed was planted, and three years later, Kinney was invited to play roundball for a pro team in Belgium – a life-altering experience.
“The year in Belgium was the best year of my life in so many ways – the culture, the language, the people, and the best beer in the world! For a redneck boy from Wagener, South Carolina, to go over there and have those experiences was just unreal.”
Kinney then obtained a teaching fellowship on his way to a masters degree from the University of Georgia, where he played intramural basketball to feed his sports fix. Kinney returned to North Carolina after earning his degree and eventually launched a 30-year career as a professor of philosophy and interdisciplinary studies at Appalachian State. He then transitioned to a technology career in Internet programming and computer support.
But he is better known as a pioneer in the craft beer brewing revolution of the ‘80s, and his journey to Belgium helped inspire him to try home brewing.
Kinney earned the nickname “Bubbleman” for delighting attendees at local festivals with giant bubbles. Photo courtesy Kinney Baughman.
“Bubbleman” Slam Dunks as a Brewmaster
“I ordered a beer-making kit from an ad in Mother Earth News and brewed my first batch of beer in 1980,” he says. “I wondered if you can make a beer as good as Budweiser at home. My beer came out really good, and I thought, ‘The hell with Bud – this is my ticket back to Belgium!’”
He did not return to Belgium, but his beer prowess led him to become brewmaster at the second craft brewery in North Carolina. Being a self-described gadgeteer, Kinney also invented an upside-down fermentation system and traveled around the country selling it. He then became an award-winning head craft brewer at the Tumbleweed Grille in Boone.
Kinney has also become known in the region as “Bubbleman” because he often brings a bubble gun to events like the High Country Beer Festival and whimsically blows bubbles for everyone.
Discovering A New Basketball Chapter Through Senior Games
The next turn in Kinney’s storied life came when he learned about the North Carolina Senior Games in 2007. After years of playing pickup games with other faculty, he was amazed he was on a team again, enjoying local and state competitions and winning medals.
Since playing in his first National Senior Games in 2015, Kinney’s teams have won two silver medals, so earning gold is high on his bucket list for Tulsa in 2027. “I want that so bad I can taste it!”
Kinney and teammates at the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Photo courtesy Kinney Baughman.
Injuries have almost convinced Kinney to quit at times, but the rewards have been worth it. “I didn’t realize how much being on a basketball team was in my DNA. There’s just a brotherhood there that’s unmatched,” he asserts.
Kinney is also stunned that his journey has led him back to playing basketball in Europe. At Nationals in 2022, Darrell Cavanaugh, the captain of the Capo Classics team Kinney played against, urged him to join his Team USA in the FIMBA championship series, informally called “The World Cup,” which draws from 250,000 masters players around the world. He will travel to Portugal this summer for his third international masters event.
Team USA and Team Italy at an international masters basketball competition. Photo courtesy Kinney Baughman.
In recent years, Kinney was invited to join the North Carolina Senior Games Board of Directors, which he humbly accepted. “I was an ambassador for the local and state games already, and I’m kind of a big personality, so they knew they could count on me for a good media quote,” he says.
“Being asked to serve on this board was one of the greatest honors of my life,” he continues. “I love Senior Games, and I love all those people. And I’m lucky North Carolina has one of the strongest programs in the country.”
- Published in Athlete of the Month