Are you keeping track of your favorite sports? Have you been introduced to some new favorite athletes? In case you’re unaware, the National Senior Games started last week and are currently ongoing in Des Moines, Iowa. To promote competitive sports and encourage the physical activity of adults aged 50 and above, these games and their athletes compete around the country at the local and state level and then meet for Nationals each summer. What sports are in competition this year? Everything from archery to basketball to pickleball and swimming, with the result that older adults are displaying enormous capability and grace as they defy aging stereotypes and excel in activities that are often considered the domain of younger adults. If you want to catch a glimpse of these competitive races and their outcomes, start cheering and watch here. 

If you don’t see yourself competing on the national level in televised competitions, you may find joy and physical activity in more local team sports and leagues. In fact, Axios just reported that there’s been a rise in adult sports leagues around the country. Apparently, 20% of US adults now say they participate in an adult sports league, which not only gets you moving but also enhances your opportunities for social interaction. Depending upon your location, you may be able to find out about local sports leagues on ZogSports or Volo Sports. You may also want to check in with your local Y or even a local gym to determine what sports leagues are in your vicinity.

For many, however, the pleasure in engaging in athletic endeavors as an older adult has nothing to do with teams or competitions per se, but rather challenging oneself or pushing oneself to maintain and even improve physical and emotional well-being well into the later years. Or just pursuing something new that was previously missing from your life. Moreover, as older athletes, many have wisdom to share about how they have pursued their endeavors and what benefits they’ve received as a result. For example, National Geographic recently profiled a series of marathon runners who are well into their 70s and beyond. They discussed a variety of reasons they pursue this sport and what they receive as a result, beyond whatever medals they win. Whether it’s better mental clarity or the impetus to maintain a schedule and discipline, these runners are both inspiring and examples of “you’re never too old.” Similarly, the Today Show recently profiled 6 athletes over 50 who describe the value of their mindset, rather than their physical prowess, as the key to their success as older athletes. They also share the wisdom they’ve acquired in understanding that “movement is medicine.” You may also want to check out the senior athletes recently profiled on Senior Planet.

Finally, you may be surprised how many older adults (especially older women) take their strength training regimens to the next level, and enter weight lifting competitions, even well into their 70s and 80s. The New Yorker recently released a documentary on an active, 95-year-old woman who still competes in weight-lifting contests. Wearing her “strong grandma” socks, 95-year-old Catherine Kuehn started weight lifting in her 80s because of an osteopenia diagnosis, and the rest is history. To see her in action, grab a free weight and watch here.