This year, my 82-year-old mom started working out with weights at the gym. Realizing that she was losing strength and mobility, which is a risk as she still lives on her own, she decided to take action. She found a trainer to teach her how to use weights safely and what exercises to do, and now she works out at the gym three days a week.
It may surprise you that my mom isn’t alone in taking on an athletic challenge in her senior years. Each year, over 2,400 seniors from across Texas, ages 50 to 90+, meet in San Antonio to compete in over 20 sports ranging from a racewalk to track and field events, billiards to bowling, or pickleball to tennis. Seniors can compete as individuals, as doubles, or as a team. There truly is something for everyone at every age!
We all know exercise increases confidence and has health benefits, improving age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and reducing obesity. However, the Senior Games also give participants the spirit of competition, new friendships, and the thrill of meeting challenges. Last year, our team member Scot participated in archery. He was impressed to watch one athlete compete in his wheelchair and another using only one arm and a bow modification device. These seniors didn’t let physical conditions limit them; that is inspirational to competitors and spectators alike.
This year, Senior Living Specialists not only has a team member participating in the archery competition again; we are also one of the sponsors. We are proud to be a community partner in improving the lives of seniors of all ages and in all stages of life and health. We are also using this event as a fundraiser, hoping to raise $5000 for The Alzheimer’s Association: San Antonio and South Texas, where families can find support in all stages of their Alzheimer’s journey. You can find more information about this by going directly to the fundraising page.
The Senior Games changes the lives and perspectives of volunteers and spectators. Go to txseniorgames.org to see when and where you can watch the athletes in action. As a volunteer for the Senior Games in the past, I can tell you that watching these athletes compete will change your expectations of what elderly life looks like. There is nothing like seeing someone in their 70s or 80s doing the high jump to make you wonder what your limits are currently and what they will be at that age, and to think about what you can do to challenge yourself!
While the Texas Senior Games focus on keeping seniors active, having fun, challenging themselves, and experiencing the joy of athletic camaraderie and teamwork, Senior Living Specialists works to help families redefine what elder care looks like, helping them find care homes or care communities to meet their loved ones’ needs. Please let us know if we can help you find the care and support your loved one requires. We want to be members of your “team,” too.
