Athletes of all shapes and sizes that compete at the National Senior Games have given the world an important, but simple, blueprint for active longevity: If you want to keep moving, you have to keep moving.
Nearly 12,000 athletes from age 50 to over 100 competed in more than 20 sports in the summer of 2023, showcasing what can be accomplished as we age. One might assume these masters athletes were blessed with superior genes that allowed them to compete into their 80’s, 90’s, and 100’s. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
According to research by Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner, 80% of how long we live is determined by our daily life style choices, such as playing sports, and only 20% of how long we live is determined by our genes.
Events like the National Senior Games give the entire country a chance to pick a sport, make new friends, stay in shape and add more healthy and happy years to our lives.
Benefits of Physical Movement
Source: National Institute on Aging
- Boosts energy
- Reduces fatigue
- Reduces the risk of falls
- Prevents diseases like arthritis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer
- Improves sleep
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Maintains weight
- Increases cognitive function
- Controls blood pressure
We don’t benefit just from moving our bodies in our later years. We also can add more healthy and happy years to our life when we move addresses, too. As our lives change through the years, our housing needs and desires change with them, leading to an increase in the percentage of older Americans who are downsizing their homes.
Benefits of Downsizing Your Home
- Reduced maintenance and home expenses
- More time and energy to pursue the things you love
- Increased social interaction and community engagement
- More opportunities for travel and cultural engagement
- Financial flexibility
- Decreased environmental Impact
Research has proven that zip code is now more important than genetic code when it comes to longevity. Our chosen location impacts our lifestyle, but it is never too late to make a move. But for many, the thought of having to undertake a move alone can be daunting. Luckily, there is always an opportunity to ask for help.
Caring Transitions is the nation’s leading total-solutions provider when it comes to downsizing, senior relocation, decluttering, estate sales, online auctions and so much more. They’ve seen more than 100,000 adults improve their lives by downsizing and relocating, helping them step-by-step through the process.
“We want people to be able to age with grace,” says Carly Olson, a Caring Transitions Franchise Owner in Central Florida. “You should be able to have a life that you are happy to live and moving and joining a new community can make that happen for you.”
Whether you are thinking of relocating to a warmer climate, moving to be near family, looking to join an active senior community, or just want less square footage in your home to maintain, Caring Transitions can create an individualized plan for your needs to embrace your move with happiness.
“Every bit of our day is moving towards something new, a new experience, a new event, a new span of life, and at Caring Transitions, we embrace it,” says Carrie Coumbs, a Caring Transitions Senior Advisor. “We embrace the fact that there’s a transition ahead, and having somebody guide you through that transition helps you into the next phase of life with gusto and enthusiasm because it was well planned, it was well prepared, and it was a transition that was welcomed.”
Click here to read Caring Transitions’ 8 signs it might be time to consider downsizing your home and making a move in your life.
