Inspiring Story: Andrew Walker and the Senior Games

Andrew Walker (age 65) is the Health and Well-being Director of the National Senior Games Association. We spoke with Andrew about his life-long devotion to wellness (his eighth-grade science fair project was about the health benefits of exercise – it got third place) and how there’s still time to throw your hat in the ring for the 2025 National Senior Games! 

For more information about the National Senior Games and Andrew’s writings on wellness at any age, subscribe to the NSGA newsletter here!  

What are the National Senior Games and why are they important? 

The National Senior Games is the largest qualified multi-sport event for individuals aged 50 and over, who love to compete or even try a new activity such as power walking. Senior Games also take place at the local and state level across the country every year. These events are important because they provide opportunities for people to stay active physically and mentally, compete with their peers and be part of a supportive community.

The next National Senior Games will be in Des Moines, Iowa, July 24-August 4, 2025. It will be the first year we’re doing sports Tai Chi as a competition! We’re also introducing eight other sports and events including Powerlifting, Basketball Shooting Skills and Disc Golf, for a total of 26 sports to choose from.  

Do any stories stick with you from your time with the Senior Games? 

Since I’m a track guy, Junior “Hurricane” Hawkins comes to mind. She set the world record for her age group (100 and older) in 100-meter race at the National Senior Games in 2017.

And when I saw the women’s 200- and 400-meter races in 2019 – these ladies at age 50 were just amazing at their events. It brought me back – they didn’t look like they were that far off from their college days. 

How can someone get involved with the National Senior Games? 

To compete in most sports at the 2025 National Senior Games, the journey starts by qualifying at a State Senior Games in 2024. I’d recommend someone pick a sport(s) they enjoy, check the qualification requirements at NSGA.com and find a State Senior Games to compete in this year (view a list here). If they qualify, they’ll then be able to register online for the National Senior Games and join us in Des Moines in 2025!

There will also be open sports and events that don’t require you to qualify, including Tai Chi, 1-Mile Road Race, and others.

We also appreciate the volunteers. We know that from a general health standpoint, people who give and volunteer do better in their overall well-being than people who are not engaged in giving. So that’s another aspect of the Senior Games that is health building even if you aren’t competing.

How do you practice wellness in your life? 

I practice mindfulness. I also do yoga and Tai Chi, walking, and the occasional jog. I enjoy the outdoors by hiking, and I play drums at church every other week. My dad will be 100 on July 4^th. His father lived until 102. One of my goals has always been to try to live to 100.

Senior Planet’s motto is “Aging with Attitude.” What does that mean to you? 

From my viewpoint, it’s an attitude of aging well. All of us are aging and I think one of the goals is to have the best health span that you can. We’re all on a continuum. From the moment you’re born, you’re aging. 

 

YOUR TURN

Did you ever compete in the Senior Games? Share your experience in the comments!

 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.