The MJCCA Welcomes Back the Third Annual Senior Olympics
The Atlanta Senior Olympics, an Olympic-style sporting competition sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee, was created specifically to promote and encourage fit and healthy lifestyles for our country's largest and most prolific demographic, “baby boomers” aged 50 and up.
Through a variety of week-long athletic and sporting competitions that runs the gamut from track & field to bowling and bridge tournaments, serious athletes, weekend warriors, and even fledgling fitness buffs come together to enjoy the spirit of competition, the camaraderie of like-minded peers, and the pursuit of a healthy and active way of life.
HOWEVER, if just the thought of exercise makes you cringe and reach for the remote, relax; this year, we are pleased to offer you several really great reasons why you SHOULD NOT participate in Third annual Atlanta Senior Olympics. Feel free to share them with your friends, but most of all, don't feel guilty!
FIVE GUILT-FREE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ATLANTA SENIOR OLYMPICS:
REASON #5: Strenuous Exercise is for Kids
Actually, the very opposite is true: exercise is safe for all ages. In fact, medical experts agree that moderate exercise is the best medicine for whatever ails you. Low-impact activities such as walking and swimming are as equally beneficial to your health and longevity as high-impact activities like tennis and running. Research suggests that exercise and physical activity can help you maintain or partly restore your strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.
REASON #4: Your Shorts Don't Fit…
The Senior Olympics is a great way to get in shape, stay in shape, meet new people, and feel good about you. Now's the time to take advantage of the many MJCCA fitness classes that will start you on your way to better health and well-being. The MJCCA offers an expansive array of fitness classes including water aerobics, pilates, personal weight training, low and high-impact aerobics, yoga, and so much more.
The MJCCA's professional and highly trained fitness experts will assist you with a regimen that is suited to your particular fitness and health level. You will be under careful supervision and encouraged to progress at your own pace. The MJCCA is also a
proud sponsor of the national, award-winning SilverSneakers® fitness program. Many health insurance providers include the SilverSneakers® program in their wellness plans. Check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible for these great benefits. Remember, exercise will help you feel better and enjoy life more, because there is no such thing as too old or too out of shape.
REASON #3: The Only Thing You've Exercised Lately is Your Right to Vote
No problem, the Atlanta Senior Olympics is designed to engage and cater to every participant's skill and fitness level. Whether you are a serious athlete or a committed armchair sports enthusiast, it's never too late to begin an exercise regimen that will ultimately enhance and prolong your life. Of course, you should always consult with your physician prior to beginning any type of exercise program. Most medical experts do agree, however, that mature adults hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. Growing older doesn't mean you have to lose strength or your ability to do everyday tasks.
REASON #2: You Need Your Beauty Sleep
Absolutely, everyone should sleep a good 6 – 8 hours a night; however, excessive sleeping could be a sign of mild depression or sadness. It is medically proven that fresh air, interaction with other people, and even the most moderate exercise releases endorphins, your brain's feel-good chemical, into your body, making you feel more alert, alive, and energized. It's also important to remember: an inactive lifestyle can cause older adults to lose ground in four areas that are important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. So get out of that bed and into the game – the game of a happy and healthy life. Exercise is a happy pill that needs no prescription.
REASON #1: You've Lived This Long Without Exercising, Why Start Now?
According to Senior Living magazine, even moderate physical activity will help you live a longer and healthier life. According to a recent study that followed a group of men and women for more than 40 years, individuals aged 50 and older who engaged in moderate or high levels of physical activity lived longer and had less heart disease.
The study further reported that total life expectancy increased as levels of physical activity increased. So, stick around, you've got a lot more living to do!
GET UP…
The Atlanta Senior Olympics is a high-profile, media-worthy event that captivates the city of Atlanta for one week each year. Many of the athletes participating have poignant and inspirational stories to share; each day, we are reminded of the courage and challenges many of our participants have had to overcome.
GET OUT…
This year's events include basketball, track and field, bowling, swimming, racquetball, tennis, golf, mah jongg, and bridge. Venues include the MJCCA, Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, Stone Mountain Golf Course, Adamsville Recreation Center, Emory University and other sites around Atlanta.
Additionally, you won't want to miss the excitement when the official ASO torch is lit during the Grand Opening Ceremony Party, held Saturday evening, May 19 at the MJCCA. This is an awe-inspiring way to kick off a week of fun and friendly competition.
GET GOING…
If you choose not to compete, you can still be an active participant of the ASO as a valued and much-needed volunteer. Enjoy the excitement, friendship, and fun of this world-class event while assisting the MJCCA with the many operational, logistical, organizational, and marketing jobs needed to successfully execute an event of this magnitude. All volunteers will receive a commemorative tee-shirt, access to all events
including Opening Ceremonies along with a lifetime of memories to share and remember.
GET FIT…
Ever since Mayor Shirley Franklin endorsed the Senior Olympics in 2004 by saying: “Every day I get up and tell myself it is a good day to get fit. And, having just passed 50 myself, participating in these Senior Olympics Games will be the perfect excuse,” many of Atlanta's Fortune 500 companies and other industry notables have supported the games through participation, endorsement and sponsorship. Without their wonderful and steadfast support, the Games would not exist as they do today: as one of Atlanta's premier sporting competitions for our revered over 50 population.
We encourage you to peruse the ASO application form included in this issue of Lifestyles magazine. We hope that this year will be your year to set a realistic fitness goal, and then simply go for it with your heart and soul. We'll be right there, cheering you on.
For more information on how you can participate, volunteer, train, or even become one of our valued sponsors, please contact Kenny Silverboard at 770.395.2553. For your convenience, you may also register and volunteer on our official website, www.atlantaseniorolympics.org.