A National TV Special Inspiring Viewers of All Ages to Join the Health Revolution
Redefining Aging With Senior Athletes, presented by GSK, takes national audiences inside the 2025 National Senior Games, the largest multi-sport qualifying event in the world — bigger than the Olympics! More than 12,000 athletes from age 50 to over 100 competed in Des Moines, Iowa, redefining what’s possible for us all as we age.
The athletes of the National Senior Games movement are at the epicenter of an extraordinary national trend that’s changing the way we age.
The quest for vitality has resulted in a shift toward preventative healthcare as adults of all ages actively seek ways to live longer and healthier lives through diet and exercise, but also by taking an active role in their healthcare, including educating themselves about infections like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV is a common, contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms, but can be severe in older adults due to their age and certain chronic conditions they may have. Adults 50 or older with chronic heart or lung disease are more likely to become hospitalized from an RSV infection. RSV can exacerbate these conditions and can lead to severe outcomes, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.
Redefining Aging With Senior Athletes, presented by GSK, shares the inspiring stories and incredible performances of four older athletes that are providing a blueprint for happy and healthy aging by being proactive about their health, holistically. Their examples inspire viewers of all ages to join the health revolution.
WATCH: Redefining Aging With Senior Athletes, presented by GSK
Meet the Athletes
Carole, 63 – Track & Field
San Jose, CA
Carole is a world-ranked masters track & field star. She specializes in throwing events including the hammer, javelin, discus, and shot put. A former college track & field competitor, Carole was 60 when she was inspired to get back into the sport she loved by a commercial featuring a Senior Games competitor.
Carole has asthma and suffers from diminished lung capacity. After overcoming two serious battles with RSV, she talked to her doctor and decided to get vaccinated to help prevent severe infection from RSV in the future.
After a podium finish at the 2024 World Championships, Carole was seeking her first National Senior Games gold medal in Des Moines in 2025. An active grandmother, Carole is setting an important and inspiring example of the power of preventative care.
Julie, 64 – Swimming
Fremont, CA
Julie is a National Senior Games competitor who has become an inspiring advocate for the benefits of active aging. After multiple knee replacement surgeries, Julie was convinced by her son Michael to try swimming as a new way to stay healthy. She’s been hooked ever since.
Julie suffers from asthma and her inhaler is never too far away during practice. When she learned that her asthma put her at a higher risk for severe RSV infection, Julie consulted with her doctor and decided to get vaccinated.
She is also the primary caregiver for her 88-year-old aunt who lives next door. That responsibility made her even more determined to do all she could for herself to help prevent severe RSV infection.
Taking preventative healthcare measures, including getting vaccinated against RSV, gives Julie peace of mind and helps keep her swimming toward her goals. While the opportunity for a medal at the National Senior Games is exciting, she is less concerned about her time in the pool and more focused on ensuring she can enjoy spending time with her family and friends.
Michael, 60 – Golf
Auburndale, FL
Michael is more than your average golfer. A typical amateur has a 12,500-to-1 chance of making a hole-in-one. Michael has made 10, including one on a par four. This former college baseball star turned to golf after an injury, and upon realizing his skill, never looked back. He added to his rare athletic resume when he had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch before the 1996 Olympic Games.
Golf has always been a passion for Michael’s family. Michael met his wife, Deborah, more than 20 years ago at a local course when he gave her a lesson. Today, the pair often head out to the links together and share the game they love with their five daughters and 11 grandchildren.
Michael has asthma and learned the hard way that he has an increased risk of severe RSV infection. After a battle with RSV sidelined him, Michael consulted with his doctor, decided to get vaccinated, and has never looked back.
Fresh off a silver medal finish at the Pittsburgh National Senior Games, Michael was hungry for a gold medal in Des Moines – but says his journey is not defined by his golf score. Overcoming injury, managing asthma, and recovering from severe RSV has given him perspective on the important things in life.
Shawn, 62 – Pickleball
San Diego, CA
Shawn loves the spirit and energy of the National Senior Games, and says beyond the competition, she values the community and health benefits the games bring.
Shawn was introduced to pickleball by her son, Blake, and was instantly hooked. But the road to the National Senior Games wasn’t easy. Over the years she’s suffered severe asthma attacks, resulting in several frightening visits to the emergency room. She is now committed to staying active as she ages and taking whatever steps are necessary to prevent severe illness, including talking to her doctor about RSV vaccination.
As a proud mother of three, Shawn cherishes the time that pickleball has created for her family and friends, and she is determined to do what she can to stay healthy as she ages.
On the heels of a gold medal finish at the 2023 National Senior Games, Shawn and her partner returned to Des Moines to defend their title. She says the competition gives her a sense of pride and a constant reminder that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down.
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NPUS-RVUWCNT250014 August 2025
Produced in USA
