College basketball fans are on the edge of their seats as the NCAA March Madness competition kicks off this week. Their brackets are set and ready to be upset by this year’s underdog team. Millions of dollars will be spent on tickets, advertising and more during this massive tournament.
While we can all enjoy the fandom of college athletics, there’s another league of sports that deserves your attention and support: Senior Games.
No, we’re not talking about high school or college seniors. Senior Games are multi-sport events for people ages 50+ that occur all around the country and in Canada each year. Athletes can compete in sports like basketball, track and field, pickleball and bocce, to name a few, and earn the opportunity to advance to a National Senior Games championship held every other year.
Here in Rhode Island, the RI Senior Games (RISG) attract close to 500 participants annually. Started with the moniker of Ocean State Senior Olympics approximately 30 years ago, we are one of the longest running Games in the nation. Originally under the auspices of a RI state agency and then, in 2004, incorporated as a self-sustaining 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation entitled Rhode Island Senior Olympics. Adopting the naming convention of most other states, we are now operating as the Rhode Island Senior Games.
Sports connect people across generations and provide health and well-being benefits for participants of all ages. As the population of older adults in America continues to grow, Senior Games offer important opportunities for people ages 50+ to stay active and connected, and foster new perspectives on aging that benefit our whole community.
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, regular physical activity is associated with a long list of health benefits including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and falls, reduced risk of dementia, and improved bone health. The thrill of competitive sports can make movement fun and motivate people to stay active they age.
Sports can also help boost mental health. Research shows participation in sports is related to improved psychological well-being, reduced levels of depression, anxiety and stress, and improved social outcomes such as a sense of belonging. Camaraderie trumps competition in Senior Games, where everyone is striving for their personal best, and participants form strong friendships.
Then there is the important work of fighting ageism. Senior Games competitions showcase the capabilities of older athletes, which challenges stereotypes about aging and promotes a more inclusive community. Watching athletes in their 80s race on the track will reset your perceptions!
While interest in Senior Games probably won’t reach college basketball playoff levels anytime soon, the impact on participants and communities is undeniable.
March 17-23, 2025, is National Senior Games Week, and we invite you to become a fan of the Senior Games movement. If you’re 50 or above, sign up to participate in one of the 2025 RISG events. https://riseniorgames.org/
Not old enough to compete? Encourage someone in your life who is to check out Senior Games, and volunteer with us this year! You’ll meet inspiring people determined to keep moving and striving for their goals who set an example for us all.