Don Phillips is not your typical nonagenarian, but he’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible as we age. This 95-year-old is not just defying expectations—he’s redefining them.
Don is a multi-sport athlete. He throws the javelin, the hammer, the discus and shot put. He’s a sprinter, a corn hole competitor, and even added powerlifting to his repertoire at the 2025 National Senior Games.
A self-described “misfit farm kid” from North Dakota, Don was drafted into the Army following high school. After serving Uncle Sam, he used the GI bill to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Iowa State University. Now, 65 years later, Dr. Don returned to Iowa State, this time to set a National Senior Games record in the 50m dash.
After the race, Growing Bolder’s Marc Middleton asked Phillips what he believes the secret is to a longer, healthier life.
“You’ve got to keep moving,” Phillips said. “You’ve got to find something that works for you, and then make a commitment.”
Phillips has led a life filled with commitment. He’s been married to his wife Laverla for more than 7 decades , raising three daughters together. He’s also been committed to the National Senior Games, having competed in 13 National Championships since 1993.
“[I keep coming back] because of the people. You like to get medals, but it’s the people that’s really the important part,” Phillips says.
Phillips is just one of nearly 100,000 athletes who participate annually in state games and over 12,000 who compete in the National Senior Games. Together they’re redefining what’s possible as we age. Don’s advice for active aging is simple:
“Exercise is the key to good health,” Phillips urges. “I firmly believe that, and then you have to have a good diet to support the exercise.
“I think age is just a number. It depends how you feel. That’s what your life is.”
