Oregon Senior Games: Games (50+) People Play

The Oregon Senior Games return to Corvallis Aug 7-16. While registrations to compete have filled, there’s still time to jump in as a volunteer or plan a fun excursion to cheer competitors in a variety of sports. If you’re not competing but have ever dreamed of doing so, the Games are a great inspiration!

Athletes come from all walks (pun intended), some reviving their love of a school-days sport, others who’ve engaged periodically over the years, and still others who never stopped running, cycling, or competing.

This year promises to be a more intimate setting as events are limited to 5k and 10k races, cycling time trials, pickleball, table tennis, and triathlons. And while the scope of sports

has narrowed this year, the energized spirit of the Games remains high.

Senior Games athletes share impressive traits that affirm the benefits of staying active. According to the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam:

• 70+% of the athletes have a low prevalence of diabetes.
• Their walking speeds are similar to adults in their thirties.
• They have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than most others their age.
• They experience fewer falls.
• They have lower instances of cardio-vascular disease — 34-38% lower for senior male athletes, 41-57% lower for female.

Here’s another impressive stat: the fitness age of Senior Games participants is nearly 25 years younger than their actual age. That’s a 68-year-old athlete boasting the fitness age of 43!

On the flipside, here’s another set of statistics worthy of consideration. What happens when someone is NOT physically active:

• Inactivity contributes to 1 in 10 premature deaths.
• About 110,000 deaths annually could be prevented with just 10 or more minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Annual healthcare costs of $117 billion are directly associated with inadequate levels of physical activity. In 2020, fewer than 1 in 4 senior adults met US exercise guidelines.

Staying active pays off and engaging (alone or in groups) in physical activities — from bowling to pickleball to regular walking — boosts spirits, strength, even confidence.

One thing is certain: staying active throughout life can make any of us feel like a winner.

To learn more about the Senior Games call 541 766 6918 or visit oregonseniorgames.com.

Kristan Dael

50plus Magazine