While it is possible with advances in medical science to add years to our lives and good health to our years, it is still each person’s responsibility to lead a healthy and active lifestyle so they maintain their quality of life. According to the American Heart Association’s website, older Americans get the least physical activity of any age group with nearly 40 percent of adults older than 55 reporting no leisure-time physical activity at all.

This is unfortunate because older adults can receive some great health benefits from exercising regularly. Activity can reduce the risk of falls and injuries from falls, and it can prevent or alleviate functional limitations. Activity is effective therapy for many chronic diseases.

To gain some motivation on the quest for fitness, adults 50 and older can look forward to three weeks of competition and fun during the 33rd annual Senior Games from Monday through June 24. The Senior Games promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit at any age and are designed to inspire, motivate and educate all citizens about good health and lifetime involvement in physical activity.

Before the opening ceremony, there will be free health screenings to check blood pressure and blood sugar. The blood sugar screening will require a 12-hour fast.

In addition to promoting physical activity in the Fort Wayne community, the Games provide social opportunities. Competing is a great way to make friends and have fun. Pickleball is one of the Senior Game events that has become quite popular. John Mueller has already signed up for the pickleball competition that will start on June 22.

“For many and various reasons, before now, my wife and I unfortunately hadn’t gotten involved in a systematic workout program,” Mueller said. “Pickleball seemed to be a solution that gave us exercise that we could control – you can push hard, or you can go slow or some of each. And this has given us the opportunity for great fellowship with people we had not known before.”

There’s something for everyone at this year’s Senior Games with more than 20 exciting events to choose from, including croquet, bowling, billiards, golf, table tennis, horseshoes, cornhole, bocce and more. The Games will kick off on June 7 with a complementary breakfast featuring guest speaker Dr. Mark O’Shaughnessy of Fort Wayne Cardiology, followed by the annual torch-lighting ceremony with Mayor Tom Henry. The Games will end with an awards banquet on June 24.

For more information on the Senior Games, please visit www.fortwayneparks.org.