The New Mexico Senior Olympics are being held in just a few weeks, July 19th to 23rd in Albuquerque, with team tournaments held in a variety of cities. The games feature 90 events in over 23 different sports, and anyone over 50 can compete. For those interested in competing, you still have time to register, as the games are taking late registrations through July 3rd. So if you are interested, register today! Register HERE
You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing
“You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing” is the tagline for the New Mexico Senior Olympics and it represents why being active as you get older is so important. As NICOA has previously written, daily or regular exercise can help with physical health – such as preventing the onset of chronic disease and reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. It also supports good mental health; exercise can help Elders to combat depression, stress, and anger, as well as to simply “feel good.” Daily or regular Long-term, regular exercise also assists in maintaining the strength of the body and mind alike, both of which are crucial to aiding Elders in maintaining their independence and in continuing to do the things they enjoy doing. (2)
The New Mexico Senior Olympics are committed to promoting physical fitness for seniors and providing adults 50 and older with opportunities for a healthy, active lifestyle. Beyond the Olympics, they also provide year-round programs that encourage athletes to participate in physical, mental, and social programs, opportunities that are local, statewide, and national. You can find more information out about the year round games on their website nmseniorolympics.org. (1)
Native Elder Athletes
The New Mexico Senior Olympics website profiles some of their Olympians, and a few great examples of Native Elders that have competed in the games include Esther Felipe of the Acoma Pueblo and John Pino of the Laguna Pueblo.
Esther didn’t start running competitively until she was 56, but at 62 she placed first in her age division in a half marathon and in 1993 she ran a personal record of 42 races. She said that she loves the activity and explained that women that remain active is a good thing, “It builds up their self-esteem and they look younger… [and they] will be able to do other things and not tire so easily.” (3)
Unlike Esther, John had been a runner for 50 years, but his knees gave out. Instead of just stopping he decided to pick another sport, with encouragement from his daughter. John transitioned to archery and javelin and holds multiple New Mexico records. When he retired at 72, his daughter Pauline persuaded him to keep active. “When I retired, I said, ‘I’m not going to do anything,’ and Pauline said, ‘You can’t just sit. You have to do some exercise.” (4)
Sources
1) New Mexico Senior Olympics. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://nmseniorolympics.org/
2) NICOA (2016, June 20). Exercise for a Healthy Life. Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://nicoa.org/exercise-for-a-healthy-life/
3) New Mexico Senior Olympics. (n.d.). Esther Felipe. Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://nmseniorolympics.org/profiles/esther-felipe/
4) New Mexico Senior Olympics. (n.d.). Jon Pino. Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://nmseniorolympics.org/profiles/john-pino/
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