Inaugural National Senior Games Week to Promote Opportunities for Older Adults to Stay Active Through Sports

The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is launching a new awareness initiative to celebrate the positive impacts of Senior Games and encourage people ages 50+ to get moving. 


National Senior Games Week, held for the first time March 18-24, 2024, will unite organizers, athletes and supporters to share the benefits of active aging through Senior Games. 


More than 100,000 individuals participate in Senior Games at the local, state and national level each year. These Olympic-style multi-sport events offer the camaraderie and challenge of competitive sports to older adults while promoting health and well-being.   


“National Senior Games Week will highlight how Senior Games organizations around the country improve life for participants and create healthier communities,” said Sue Hlavacek, NSGA president & CEO. “We want to reach everyone with the message that it’s never too late to try a sport, and Senior Games are here to help you start your journey.” 


The NSGA, its Member Organizations and partners will host local in-person events and share stories, statistics and opportunities virtually throughout National Senior Games Week. 


Benefits of Senior Games for Participants, Communities
Regular exercise provides major health benefits to seniors, yet less than 1 in 4 adults ages 50+ met U.S. physical activity guidelines in 2020. Research from the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam found senior athletes walk at speeds similar to adults in their 30s, have a 70% lower prevalence of diabetes and report significantly lower rates of falls than their similarly-aged peers. 


At the community level, Senior Games also drive tens of millions of dollars in economic impact and create social capital through intergenerational connections, volunteerism and local programs.


Currently, the NSGA’s independently-run Member Organizations host Senior Games in 48 states and Canada. A championship event, the National Senior Games, takes place in odd years in different host cities. Prospective participants are encouraged to learn more at NSGA.com.