Growing Bolder Digital Digest | GB Insiders July 2022: Inspire

David Burnett on

Inspire

Determined To Compete

A Passion For Pickleball

1980 State Finalists Reunite

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YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO SET A NEW GOAL OR TO DREAM A NEW DREAM – C.S. Lewis

Enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Call 800-704-9412 or visit GrandPad.net VIDEO & VOICE CALLING • EMAIL • PHOTOS • MUSIC • INTERNET • GAMES • AND MORE

GROWING BOLDER AND NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES ASSOCIATION PRESENT

Fountain of Youth will change everything you thought you knew about aging. It’s the jolt of inspiration you need to make the rest of your life the best of your life.

WITH

MARC MIDDLETON

We’re all told the same debilitating lie that aging is an inevitable decline into disease and disability.

Fountain of Youth®, a new podcast from Growing Bolder in partnership with the National Senior Games Association, smashes the negative stereotypes of aging and delivers life-transforming lessons for us all.

Hosted by masters athlete, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, and Growing Bolder CEO Marc Middleton, Fountain of Youth shares the inspiring stories of men and women of all ages, sizes, and abilities who are redefining what’s possible and living active, engaged lives into their 80s 90s, and 100s.

SUBSCRIBE NOW and learn the secrets to active aging! podcasts.apple.com/us open.spotify.com/show audible.com/pd

Or Your Favorite Podcast Listening Platform

Daily Stories Online Visit GrowingBolder.com daily for inspiring stories to help you start Growing Bolder

The Bold Start Get a daily dose of inspiration curated from our most popular social media posts.

Check Out Our TV Shows Check your local listings or watch new episodes of "Growing Bolder" and "What's Next!" at GrowingBolder.com/tv

Radio + Podcast Fast-paced, entertainment hour that will leave you excited about the possibilities in your life, now available on most podcasting platforms and GrowingBolder.com/radio-podcast.

D O N ’ T FO R G E T TO F I N D U S ON OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS Follow us @GrowingBolder

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Styles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jill Middleton EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Lynne Mixson & Tim Killian CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ellen Jaffe Jones GROWING BOLDER PRESS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Marc Middleton GENERAL COUNSEL Michael Okaty, Foley & Lardner LLP

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PARTNER RELATIONS Sam Koubaissi COMMENTS

Contact us via social media @GrowingBolder or email us at feedback@GrowingBolder.com ADVERTISING AND MEDIA SALES

For information about advertising and sponsorships, email Bijou Ikli at advertising@growingbolder.com

contents.

July 2022

I N E V E RY I S S U E 6

YOUR TAKE

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NOTE FROM THE CEO

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GROWING BOLDER WITH

10 ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING EXTRAORDINARY LIVES 14 RECIPE

Tasty Beans & Greens MASTERS SPORTS 12 DETERMINED TO COMPETE

Lisa Polonczyk Willed Her Way To The 2022 NSG 16 SMASHING STEREOTYPES

Vigorous Exercise Is The Fountain Of Youth 18 1980 STATE FINALISTS REUNITE

Challengers Answer The Question: “What If?” 22 A PASSION FOR PICKLEBALL

Photo: ©️2022 David Burnett / Contact Press Images (courtesy the Hermitage Artist Retreat/Greenfield Family Foundation)

What’s Behind The Fastest Growing Sport In America?

24 SURVIVING & THRIVING

At The National Senior Games H E A LT H 32 JUST BEGIN

Tips To Start Your Health Journey

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Head to page 28 to read David's story

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YOURTAKE What's a life lesson you learned from traveling?

—Elaine M. G.

—Jenny W. D.

"People are more alike than different. The earth and the people in it are beautiful."

"Take twice as much money and half as many clothes."

—Sylvia S. S.

—Patricia L. D.

"You represent where you're from."

"Have an authentic experience and come home with lessons. Perspective is a gift."

—Leslie J.

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"Take an extra day off when you get home to do laundry."

—JS P.

"Respect the cultural differences, listen more, talk less."

"Go with the flow, relax and enjoy yourself and other people. Don't schedule too much."

—Jeanne D.

—Sarah J. K. O.

"Laughter is the same in every language."

"Take a good camera."

—Katie P. C.

—Charles H.

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Illustration by nadia_bormotova via Getty Images

"When visiting another country, visit the grocery market instead of a Museum. Avoid tourist traps.

Drink the local wine."

Photo by Mike Dunn for Growing Bolder

From the CEO This month’s Digital Digest is filled with the inspiration we experienced at the National Senior Games. But don’t worry if you’re not into sports. Our stories are not about who won or lost. They’re bigger than that. They’re about surviving and thriving, passion and purpose, health and wellbeing. They’re about Growing Bolder.

The National Senior Games attracts men and woman from age 50 to over 100 and while they all enjoy the competition, they all thrive on the camaraderie.

They inspire and motivate one another to keep moving and to bounce back when faced with the inevitable setbacks of life.

In a culture that leads us to believe that our lives must get smaller as we get older, they are the proof that our lives can expand. They’re not trapped or derailed by the many challenges of growing older. They do their best to overcome them.

They adapt, accommodate and keep moving forward. They don’t buy into the incessant ageist narrative in our culture that younger is better. They understand that how we feel about our bodies depends upon how we feel in our bodies.

The athletes of the National Senior Games are part of a large, diverse, intergenerational community that embodies the Growing Bolder ethos. They’re living examples of the messages we espouse daily: more is possible, you are not too old and it is not too late, passion and purpose fuel the life force, and if you want to keep moving, you have to keep moving.

So, read on and get inspired to make the rest of your life the best of your life.

“In a culture that leads us to believe that our lives must get smaller as we get older, they are the proof that our lives can expand.”

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Catch new episodes now airing across Florida!

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Marc Middleton, What’s Next! features a team of well-known Florida broadcasters and personalities, including Secily Wilson, Amy Sweezey, and Bill Shafer, all shining the spotlight on ordinary people living extraordinary lives.

What’s Next! is a jolt of inspiration that helps audiences of all ages believe that it’s never too late to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities.

New episodes are now airing across Florida!

Check local listings and watch a full episode at

GrowingBolder.com/Whats-Next

GROWING BOLDER WITH

Roy Englert

99

Photo Courtesy of The National Senior Games Association

Roy Englert, 99, is one of just a few athletes to participate in every National Senior Games since they began in 1987. He has been a competitive runner for 40 years, which might lead you to believe that he loves running but he would be quick to correct you.

“I do not enjoy running because running is very difficult,” he said. “What I enjoy is finishing, because that’s fun!”

Englert had great success in the 95-99 age group, setting world records in the 800 meters and 1500 meters. This year, because his 100th birthday is in September, he moves into the 100-104 age group where he hopes to set even more records. Not a bad legacy for someone who didn’t start running until he was 60.

“I was very small when I was growing up, so I never did any athletics,” Englert recalled. “When I started, I couldn't run a quarter of a mile without getting out of breath. But for some reason I kept at it. It didn’t take long for me to realize I am not a sprinter. I just don’t have any speed. So, I began to concentrate on longer distances and that’s where I started to see some success.”

“I’ll never forget when I thought I might like to enter my first senior games,” he said. “It was 40 years ago. I was about 60 and everybody thought I was old back then. People would say, ‘What in the world are you doing?' Even my own mother looked at me and said, 'You're too old to run.' And like I said, that was 40 years ago.”

Undaunted, Englert gave it a try. “Oh, I enjoyed it,” he

said. “Ran a couple of races and I won a gold and a silver, and I thought ‘This is fun. I'm going to do it some more.’

And so, I did.”

Englert wasn’t surprised that he enjoyed the physical aspects of competing, but there was something else that meant even more.

“The people you meet at the Games are incredible,” he said. “I always have so much fun. You get to know so many wonderful and caring people that you look forward to seeing. The camaraderie really keeps you going so I would say I mostly enjoy the camaraderie and the competition, even though the older I get the fewer competitors I have.”

Englert will turn 100 in September and while his family and friends are very excited about it, Englert just takes it all in stride. “Really, it's no different than being 59, or 69, or whatever,” he explained. “I don’t think about it too much and just try to keep going as long as I can. I think that’s probably good advice for everybody, just keep going as long as you can.”

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ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING E XTR AORDINARY LIVES ®

Willie Spruill

64

For as long as he can remember, Willie Spruill loved being active. As a child he would spend all day at the playground, in high school he grew into an excellent baseball player and when he couldn’t afford to go to college he enlisted in the Army.

He loved the physicality of the military and was one of the first to take on as many challenges and activities as possible until one assignment changed everything.

“While I was in the army, I cracked my spine and my pelvis jumping out of an aircraft,” he said. “It was tough.

For a guy who likes to be out and involved you can’t really do much of anything, and in my case, things only got worse instead of better.”

Over the years, Spruill went to doctor after doctor trying to get his mobility back and looking for relief from the chronic pain, but it seemed the more he tried the worse things got. By the spring of 2017 he couldn’t run a step. He couldn’t even walk without the use of a cane.

“What made things even worse is I was on all these prescription medications, all these narcotics, and couldn't think clearly,” said Spruill. “I wasn’t me anymore. I was confused, frustrated, suffering and couldn’t see it ever getting better.”

If there was such a thing as rock bottom, Spruill had hit it. Feeling hopeless, lost and alone he contemplated suicide.

“I was ready to kill myself,” he said. “I was even thinking how I was going to do it when I saw a flyer for the North Carolina Senior Games. It was like for just a second the old me shined through. So, I went over to the track and started walking, one painful step at a time.”

“This is where I find strength and peace. Being out here on the track surrounded by all these people over 50 with all this positive energy, I can't go wrong.”

Being at the track triggered something in him.

The athletic environment, the people working out; it was familiar, comfortable, it was where he felt he was supposed to be.

“The first thing I did was throw that cane down and I started walking,” he said. “Started doing it every day. Pushed a little, then pushed a little more. After a few weeks I got to where I tried for more. And to my surprise I can remember screaming out, “I can run again. I can run again.”

He stopped or cut back on his prescriptions and his mind cleared. He pushed through the pain until the pain began to subside. He grew confident enough to enter three events at the Senior Games and won them all. He hasn’t stopped running since. He still suffers from sciatica and chronic migraines which from time to time do get severe enough to keep him out of action, but whenever he can be, he is at the track.

“This is my sanctuary,” said Spruill. “This is where I find strength and peace. Being out here on the track surrounded by all these people over 50 with all this positive energy, I can't go wrong. I cannot go wrong. The Senior Games gave me my life back.”

“Sometimes it brings me tears when I think about it, what I have been through and what I have had to overcome,” Spruill said. “And it's still not over. There are still certain times of year where if I twist wrong, I might end up bent over again. But I know I’m going to get up, get back out there and I'm going to strive every day to motivate every person I see.”

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Determined to Compete

“You know, what's really great about this, this is the first time in our entire life that I've ever beat her in anything.”

Lisa Polonczyk Willed Her Way To The 2022 NSG Nothing was going to stop Lisa Polonczyk from bowling in the 2022 National Senior Games. Not even a broken hand.

Polonczyk, 62, is a National Senior Games veteran, competing since 2013, in swimming and in bowling. She loved the experience and for years she pressured, cajoled and finally tricked her twin, Lori Wareham, to come along.

“She refused to go to nationals. She refused to qualify until I talked her into it,” Lisa said. “When I went to visit her in New Jersey, I said, ‘This weekend, we have plans.’ So, we qualified in New Jersey's Senior Games.”

To be fair, Wareham, a former Army helicopter pilot, refused because she was teaching school and qualifying was always during the school year. But with her sister in town, and registration already done, her principal gave Lori the go-ahead to miss two days.

That was 2019. They didn’t just qualify; they won the gold. After throwing some gutter balls in her first game, Lori came back with a score of 180 in her second game. “That was a miracle for me, because I never bowl like that,” Wareham said. “My average is a 99.”

Then the National Games were delayed by Covid. Three years later, Lori is now retired from teaching and the twins were finally ready to compete together in Fort Lauderdale. Then, less than two weeks before it was time to head to Florida, Lisa was injured.

“I play senior softball for the Rochester Senior Softball league in Rochester, Minnesota. And I normally play right runner, which is like a right short stop,” Lisa explained. “But that day, the first game of the season, the third baseman didn't show up; and they said, ‘Lisa, go to

LO R I WA R E H A M

third base.’ I'm like, no, no. Because in my mind I'm saying, ‘Everyone gets injured at third base.’”

“Karma,” said Lori.

The only female on her team, Polonczyk headed to third base. The game, well under way, a line drive came screaming at her. Lisa put both hands up, but it was too late. The ball jammed her fingers and badly dislocated a knuckle on her right hand — her bowling hand. She needed stitches, eight screws, two plates and a pin to repair the damage. “‘Doc,’ I said, ‘Can I play, can I bowl left-handed?’ He says, ‘You're fine from the left hand — don't do anything with that right hand. It's going to be three to six months.’”

Polonczyk had four days to learn to bowl left-handed before leaving for the National Senior Games. It was a challenge.

“That is the perfect word, because now I have to change my slider on my foot, approach on the opposite foot…hold the ball in this weak (left) hand,” said Polonczyk. “I try to just keep it straight, throw it down the lines and hope that it doesn't go right or left into the gutter. It's like a 50/50 shot.”

The day after Polonczyk got out of the hospital, she went in to bowl, starting at the line and getting used to swinging the ball on her left side. Her score was in the 70s. The next day it was in the 80s, then a 90 and then a 106.

Great progress in four days, but a far cry from her 194 average. Lisa was scheduled to be a part of the NSG team bowling competition, but now she was a liability. Good thing there was an option — Lori.

“I can't believe they put me, a beginner, on with all the pros,” Wareham said. “And they're giving me pointers: ‘You'll have to release with your arms straight up, past your ear. Because you're going like this, your ball's going over there. Over your ear, like you’re answering a phone.’ I thought that was cool.

Everybody's been really nice to me.”

Lisa’s mixed doubles partner issued a challenge, saying he’d take whichever twin had the higher game. Lori won by 50 pins.

“You know, what's really great about this,” said Lori. “This is the first time in our entire life that I've ever beat her in anything.”

“Anything,” Lisa echoed. “I remember when we won first place where we tied in a gymnastics competition, she pushed me off the podium.”

“That's because we had to share the stand and that wasn't fair,” laughed Lori.

Neither won any ribbons at the 2022 National Senior Games, but they will both be back. They enjoy the people and the opportunity to compete together.

And not just in bowling.

“As soon as my hand’s good, I'm going back to softball. I would just not play third base,” Polonczyk said. “All the men, they sent me all the emails saying ‘Lisa, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry you got injured.’ And I'm like, ‘I'm coming back.’”

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(No, Really!)

Ellen Jaffe Jones

I love this dish because I know you will! It is simple to make, the ingredients are easy to pull together, it’s inexpensive and introduces people to how tasty plant-based diets can be. Eat Vegan on $4 a Day was the first cookbook to include the cost of each recipe and continues to be one of my publisher's best sellers. This recipe is filled with vitamins and nutrients, protein, calcium, fiber, and a hearty taste. I hope you will see how easy and enjoyable eating vegan can be, and experience how much better you can feel when you eat your way to better health.

Ellen Jaffe Jones is the only female in her family not to have breast cancer. After her mom, aunt and both sisters were diagnosed Jones made some drastic changes. She began running and eating a vegan diet.

She has continued to do so for over 40 years. She is a public speaker, health coach, personal trainer and author of six cookbooks including Eat Vegan on $4 a Day. She was a two-time Emmy-winning investigative reporter, media consultant and Wall Street financial consultant.

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Photos Courtesy of Ellen Jaffe Jones

Tasty Beans & Greens

Beans and Greens Stir Fry Makes 2 Servings | From Eat Vegan on $4 a Day, page 79

INGREDIENTS

DIREC TIONS

2/3 cup plus 1/4 cup water

Put 2/3 cup of the water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the rice and return to a boil. Decrease the heat to low, cover and cook for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Set aside. Fluff with a fork before serving.

1/3 cup brown rice 1 3/4 cups cooked or canned black beans, drained and rinsed 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes, plus more for garnish 1 teaspoon ground cumin pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional) 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 cup chopped broccoli 1/2 cup chopped collard greens 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon fresh or dried parsley, plus more for garnish

While the rice cooks, combine the beans, onion flakes, cumin, and optional red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.

Add the garlic and cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the broccoli and the remaining 1/4 cup of water. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green. Add the collard greens and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender. Stir in the soy sauce and parsley and remove from the heat. To serve spoon portions of the rice onto two plates. Top the rice with the beans and greens.

Sprinkle with additional onion flakes and parsley.

Tip: Rice can be substituted for or combined with any other whole grain.

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Smashing Stereotypes Vigorous Exercise is the Fountain of Youth

There is a common ageist belief that rapid physical decline is a normal part of aging and we’re all destined to become weak and frail in old age. This is a damaging myth that athletes in The National Senior Games are rapidly disproving. It’s not a given that we’ll inevitably lose flexibility, muscle mass, bone density and cardiovascular fitness as we age. There is mounting evidence that performance loss is mainly due to an inactive lifestyle, not biological aging. In many cases we can get faster, stronger and more flexible as we age.

The deciding factor is regular exercise.

Roy Englert Roy Englert continues to set new records in the sport of running.

One of the oldest competitors at the 2022 National Senior Games, Roy is one of just two athletes to have participated in every national event. He never considered himself athletic until he decided to enter his first competition at age 60. That was 40 years ago. He prefers distance events, saying he isn’t much of a sprinter, and over the years he has broken several world age group records. Since he will turn 100 in September, he is now competing in the 100 – 104 age group.

99

“When I entered my first games everybody wondered what in the world I was doing. Even my mother said, ‘you’re too old to run,’ and that was 40 years ago. I’ll be 100 soon but to me it doesn’t feel any different. You have to keep moving, keep going as far as you can, that’s what I do. And you don’t have to like it. I don’t like running, but I really like finishing!”

Lindsay Tise The oldest competitor at the 2022 National Senior Games was 103-year-old Lindsay Tise. He was the only golfer in the 100+ age group, shooting rounds of 58, 58, and 61 at Country Club of Coral Springs. Although he won the gold medal just by showing up, don’t let Tise’s age fool you, he shoots a score lower than his age almost every time he tees it up. Tise plays fast, still maintains a solid swing speed and has a delicate touch around the greens. He believes the health benefits from playing golf have extended his life into his 100s.

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“I just enjoy being out with people, out in the open and I just enjoy playing. It’s helped to keep me going, helped to keep me healthy. As long as I can hold a stick, I don’t plan on quitting.”

Charlotte Sanddal Charlotte Sanddal retired at age 72 after long career as a social worker. She was determined to stay active and enrolled in swimming lessons for the first time in her life. That was nearly 30 years ago. At 100, Charlotte was the oldest swimmer at the National Senior Games and one of the most inspirational. She now holds dozens of national and world age group records and just started swimming butterfly because she wants to set the world record in the 100 yd individual medley — a race that combines all 4 strokes. When she’s not swimming, Charlotte loves to travel, play bridge, go kayaking, and volunteer at the Montana Historical Society.

100

“I've outlived all my ancestors and I owe it to swimming. Swimming gets me up in the morning. I do my stretches and my exercise, and then I get to the pool. That’s what’s good about swimming. You never have to quit. You can keep going and you meet people from all over. It’s a good way to spend your time and it keeps me out of the bars.”

George Freeman The first National Senior Games were held in St. Louis, MO in 1987. George Freeman was there and is the only other person besides Englert who has competed in every competition since.

A multiple Boston marathon participant, Freeman mainly competed in track and field, but added golf, and shuffleboard in recent years, and bowled in the 2022 Games. One of his daughters was a schoolteacher so he gave all his medals to her to give her students on special occasions. Despite having not traveled in over two years because of Covid, the 90-year-old was determined to be in Fort Lauderdale and already has his sights set on Pittsburgh in 2023, so his east coast-based family can come cheer him on.

90

“The beautiful part is my great grandchildren. They think it's super and they're all runners or walkers and they're all involved in athletics. They can see I probably don't look as old as most 90-year-olds and I'm setting a good example I think for them, which is you do something in life.”

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1980 State Finalists Reunite

Challengers Answer the Question: “What If?” “What if?”

It’s a question that can follow any person around. We wonder about the decisions of our past and ponder about the potential of the future.

Those who played organized sports as kids can look back fondly and remember the teams they played for. Now, thanks to the National Senior Games, we can all answer the question, “What if we got the gang back together to compete once again?”

That’s exactly what the Challengers did, 42 years after becoming State Finalists in high school girls' basketball.

“This sport allows us to reignite the athlete within us. I’m 60 this year.

We’ve spent the last 30 years taking care of the dogs, the kids, the husband. This is my time. My time to just rediscover who I was.”

N AO M I S H E D D

A Reunion for the Ages After a year-long pandemic-postponement, the 2022 National Senior Games were framed as a “Reunion for the Ages.” The masters sports community is a tight-knit group of friends and competitors, many of whom hadn’t seen each other since the 2019 games in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The hugs and high-fives, laughter and story-swapping from athletes 50 to 103 could be felt in all corners of Fort Lauderdale, but perhaps nowhere more so than the basketball court.

“I wouldn't rather take the court with any other girls in my high school,” Naomi Shedd explained. “The homies, from 1980. We're representing Hollywood Christian school, where we played in 1980, and now 42 years later we've named our team ‘Challengers 6.0’ because we're not getting older. We're getting better!

We’re getting bolder!”

The Challengers didn’t just play together for Hollywood Christian in 1980.

They were state finalists. They would even go on to win a national tournament in Tennessee. Having spent their childhood days playing in Broward County, it was an easy decision for this team to reunite in their old stomping grounds of Fort Lauderdale. For the Challengers, the return trip to South Florida was the perfect chance to reignite relationships.

“It feels really good, because we all loved each other. We had each other’s backs during high school, and it’s just great to see everybody again,” Sherry Brown Blomberg told Growing Bolder.

“It feels great to be out with the girls from 40 years ago and just reconnecting with everybody. It’s awesome,” Pam Howell Mason said. “[Anyone] can do it too!

Friendships never die, get your old team together.”

Skills Fade, Spirit Remains After a 4-decade layoff, the former state finalists have admittedly lost a step from their glory days.

“I get frustrated with myself because I want to do the things that we did before, and it’s just not there,” Sharon Kunsman said. “The muscles and bones, they don’t quite work the same 40 years later.” “[Our moves] are significantly slower,” Howell Mason said. “A little bit like molasses slow, but we’re just out here to have a good time. We’re enjoying the competition.”

While the cuts weren’t as crisp and their rhythm not as fine-tuned as it once was, what was instantly clear was this basketball team hadn’t lost an ounce of fire in their hearts.

“This sport allows us to reignite the athlete within us,” said Shedd, who could be seen firing up her teammates and debating calls with the referees between plays.

“I’m 60 this year. We’ve spent the last 30 years taking care of the dogs, the kids, the husband. This is my time. My time to just rediscover who I was. I was an athlete from age 8 until 20.”

“Absolutely we care [if we win]. We do not like to lose,” Kunsman said. “Our last year in high school we were 37-1. So we don’t like to lose.”

An Opportunity for All The Challengers didn’t find lightning in a bottle to recapture the success they had in South Florida in 1980, failing to medal in the 55+ women’s age group. But what they did find was a life lesson applicable to any older adult who is wondering “what if?” Sports, especially when done in a team setting, can change your life at any stage.

“It is never too late,” Shedd explained. “It gives you the motivation to stay active. Sports keeps you motivated to exercise. I'm not a gym rat. I can't do that. It's too boring. This tournament is run like a fine oiled machine. Come together and take advantage. That's the beauty of sports. It brings people together. We would not be reunited. We'd still be just connecting [online] if it wasn't for sports.”

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"Our bodies are our gardens to which our wills are gardeners."

FOR M ORE DAILY M EME S :

@GrowingBolder

Photo by Svitlana Hulko via Getty Images

— William Shakespeare

MEDICARE

PRESENTS

Join us as we celebrate the unprecedented opportunity of aging.

Growing Bolder’s Launchpad to What’s Next Live is a high energy, multimedia jolt of inspiration that will have you believing that the rest of your life can be the best of your life — no matter your age!

J U LY 1 1 AT T HE B R OW N WO O D H OT EL & S PA Doors Open at 5:30PM Show Begins at 6PM

Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging and founder of the active-aging industry in North America

Dr. Pamela Peeke, renowned longevity and healthy lifestyle expert and Senior Olympic triathlete

Marc Middleton, CEO of Growing Bolder, Emmy Award- winning broadcaster, and masters swimming world record holder

Dr. Paul Kaplan, Florida Blue Medicare Senior Medical Director & Quality Care Advocate

Tickets are complimentary, but they will go fast. Reserve yours today at tickets.thevillages.com/events.

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A Passion for Pickleball

Photo: ©️2022 David Burnett / Contact Press Images (courtesy the Hermitage Artist Retreat/Greenfield Family Foundation)

What’s behind the fastest growing sport in America?

It's the sport with the funny name but there is nothing funny about the exploding popularity of pickleball. It's the fastest growing sport in America with more than five million passionate players. Invented in the summer of 1965 by some vacationing fathers who were looking for a way to keep their families entertained, pickleball is a paddle game played with a baseball-sized wiffleball over a tennis-type net on a badminton-sized court.

For decades, pickleball was mostly a little-known recreational sport for older adults described by some as “the new shuffleboard.” And then the pandemic hit.

Perfect for socially distanced competition, inexpensive to start and easy to learn, participation exploded in 2019 jumping 40% in just 2 years, according to a report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. The growth has been across the board: male and female, urban and rural, young and old, pure beginners and stars from other racquet sports.

“World class racquetball and tennis players are pouring into the game,” says Dick Johnson, an 81-year-old national

pickleball champion. “You can be as competitive as you want,” adds Chris Powers, a former tennis player who’s now a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) ranked player. “I played in the US Open a week ago and won gold in the women's 65+ age group. I just love to compete.”

The National Senior Games was way ahead of the curve when it comes to pickleball mania, adding the sport back in 2012. Nearly 1,500 of the 12,000 athletes competing in the 2022 National Senior Games came to play pickleball. “It’s so popular because anybody of any age, shape, size and fitness level can compete,” explained Paula Rockwell, a 66-year-old competitor from Port Charlotte, Florida. “You can play with your kids, your grandkids, and your great grandkids,” says 91-year-old Marion Lisehora. “We had four generations in my family out there and everyone had a great time.”

The sport’s social nature has created a true sense of community among participants. It’s that camaraderie that keeps new players coming back for more and has country clubs, recreation centers, residential communities, high schools, and hotels all adding pickleball to their lists of activities and amenities.

Pickleball’s greatest ambassadors may be those in their 80s and 90s who are proving by example that it’s a game for life. “It’s made a huge difference in my life,” says Johnson, “My good friends are dying all the time.

I'm convinced that I'm still alive because of the game.” “I wouldn’t be playing tennis at my age.” says 81-year-old Jean Kiker. “I look at that big court and I think, ‘How did I ever do it?’ But pickleball is well within your reach in your 90's.” “I just hope I'm able to play when I'm their age,” says Lori Seaman.

“You see them and realize that if they can do it, I can do it too.”

That explains the growth of pickleball. It’s the rare sport that can be easily learned, immediately enjoyed, and is constantly challenging. It’s the sport that makes anyone, of any age, and any ability believe that I can do it too.

“It’s so popular because anybody of any age, shape, size and fitness level can compete.”

PAU L A R O C K W E L L

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Surviving & Thriving at the National Senior Games

It would be understandable to think that the 12,000 participants in the 2022 National Senior Games are the lucky ones, people who have somehow avoided the challenges of age; but that would be a mistake. Those who stay active can suffer from aches and pains, diseases, disabilities and unexpected life events just like anyone else. But there is growing evidence to suggest vigorous physical activity can minimize the effects, aid in recovery and ease discomfort in ways that allow people to continue to live vibrant lives. Here are a few inspiring examples.

Tien Nguyen At 57, Tien Nguyen was in the best shape of his life. Part of the reason was volleyball. His Kav Buff Roc team from Buffalo and Rochester New York is ALWAYS one of the best. It’s why Tien couldn’t believe it when he felt a heaviness in his chest that scared him enough to see a doctor.

He underwent emergency double bypass heart surgery. But because his weight, blood pressure, body fat and other factors were in his favor, his recovery was quick and complete. Now at 61, playing against 50-year-olds, his team once again won gold.

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“I did everything right, yet I still had a 90 percent blockage. The doctor told me that if I didn’t play volleyball and work out that I would be dead. My condition is why I survived and why to this day I have never felt better.”

Sheri Bryne-Haber Sheri Bryne-Haber, 57, has only been an archer for a few years but has lived her entire life with Spina Bifida. She was born with club feet and a spinal issue called kyphoscoliosis, requiring her to use a wheelchair.

Bryne-Haber has found that archery levels the playing field and offers her a competitive outlet alongside able-bodied athletes.

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“It's objective. There are no judges who are going to say, ‘Well, you're not pretty enough,’ or ‘you're not graceful enough.’ You're either on the line or you're not. I like that people in wheelchairs can compete equally with people who don't have disabilities.”

Andy Leighton

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When Andy Leighton, 74, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s he went into a serious depression. Tremors made it impossible for him to continue to play his favorite sport, tennis. As a progressive, incurable disease, thinking of what he might have to give up pushed him deeper into darkness. He feared the enjoyable part of his life was over. But Leighton’s wife, Helen, refused to let him give up. She learned that exercise helps minimize Parkinson’s symptoms, so she pushed him into playing pickleball. The hand-eye coordination and quick movements required helped Leighton’s strength and balance. Playing returned his confidence and reignited his joy of life.

He started Pickleball Over Parkinson’s to share his message of hope and to inspire others to get active.

“Parkinson's and pickleball are totally incompatible; one wants to slow you down, the other wants to speed you up. So, every day is kind of a contest between me and Parkinson's, and every time I play I feel like I've defeated it for another day.”

Rick Burrows Bowling has always been a source of physical therapy for Rick Burrows.

It helped him rebound following hip and knee replacements and back surgery. But the rehabilitation from those was nothing like what he experienced following contracting Covid-19 virus in 2020.

Burrows was on a ventilator for 16 days and nine of those days he was on ECMO, which circulates blood through a machine to exchange carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen. Following rehab, he was on oxygen for seven weeks at home. Burrows still suffers from shortness of breath, constant fatigue and brain fog. It was a long road, but the 60-year-old made it to Fort Lauderdale, his fifth National Senior Games — not in search of medals but to connect with competitors that have become friends over the years.

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“For me, it's a milestone. It is an achievement to even be here, because a year ago I was barely able to pick up a bowling ball to throw it. I'm working on getting back my form, and being able to enjoy the time here with my friends.

They knew how bad things had gotten, and they were so happy to see me. The friendships are priceless and the experiences are so much fun.”

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Chris Powers Chris Powers began playing pickleball four years ago, and the former tennis player picked the game up quickly. Now a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) ranked player, she competes regularly in national competitions, consistently earning medals in women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Yet, it’s more than the sport itself that she loves. It’s also the community she’s found. Being a part of it has helped her continue on following her husband’s recent death.

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“In my grieving process, it's been amazing. This is the thing that brings me the joy. And then in my moment, so quiet, I deal with the sadness. You just have to keep going. And you have to think about, when you do lose somebody, they don't want you to be sad. They live their whole life wanting you to be happy. So, I'm doing my best.”

Maria Schreiber Maria Schreiber, 58, started running six miles to work every day simply just to avoid taking the often late, always overcrowded Chicago 151 bus. Soon her work runs led to marathons, which led to triathlons. Her newfound love of fitness gave her an important emotional outlet for the stress of daily life.

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“My husband left me, I had three little kids.

During that time my brother was in the Iraq war. He was losing soldiers and there was one that we got to know that had just died and I was bawling . I'm like, ‘I'm just going to bawl on the run.’ I can cry in the woods. You know, just get it out of my system. Like, ‘This is so unfair.’ Then you just kind of pick yourself up each day.”

Photo by AleksandarNakic via Getty Images

"When you feel stressed, just keep floating!"

FO R M O RE DAILY M EME S :

@GrowingBolder

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Photo: ©️2022 David Burnett / Contact Press Images (courtesy the Hermitage Artist Retreat/Greenfield Family Foundation)

Seeing is Believing David Burnett’s Photographic Art of Inspiration Acclaimed photojournalist David Burnett was drawn to the National Senior Games in Ft. Lauderdale for the same reason Growing Bolder was — to record and share the inspiring stories and images of athletes from age 50 to 103 who are defying the stereotypes of age.

Burnett has seen the world through the lens of his cameras. He’s covered the Vietnam War, the Iranian revolution, the coup in Chile and 12 Olympic Games for publications like Life, Time, People and National Geographic. He’s authored large-format photography books on the Apollo 11 launch and reggae singer Bob Marley. His work has been widely celebrated. American Photo Magazine named him one of the “100 Most Important People in Photography” and he received the Sprague Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Press Photographers Association.

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The photos capture some of the ‘don't mess with me’ attitude that so many older athletes possess. It’s inspiring to capture inspiring images that say, at least to me, ‘nothing’s going to get in my way.’

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DAV I D B U R N E T T

Photos: ©️2022 David Burnett / Contact Press Images (courtesy the Hermitage Artist Retreat/Greenfield Family Foundation)

Now 75, Burnett finds himself increasingly drawn to photographing masters athletes. He became the first photographer to win the Greenfield Prize along with a $30,000 commission to produce an exhibit of his choosing and he knew exactly what he wanted to do. Burnett spent two years photographing older athletes in training and competition. His exhibit of stunning black and white images, “Fourth Quarter: Senior Athletes and their Indomitable Spirit,” was featured in 2019 at The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida.

Burnett’s fascination with aging athletes didn’t end when his show did. There was something powerful about the subject matter that continued to hold his interest.

“Every time I'm in this world of older athletes I feel 10 years younger,” he says. “The photos capture some of the ‘don't mess with me’ attitude that so many older athletes possess.

It’s inspiring to capture inspiring images that say, at least to me, ‘nothing’s going to get in my way.’”

One of Burnett’s favorite photos is of 80 and 90-yearold hockey players in their locker room. The photo captures the passion, energy and vitality in a way that transcends age.

“I want to put my skates on and skate with these guys,” he says. “And I think that’s the magic of what this is all about.”

And that’s the power of Burnett’s work with senior athletes. His images are beautiful but also relatable. It’s easy for any of us to find ourselves in one of them. They have the power to move the mind and compel us to act. In a single frame they reveal the reality that countless research projects have proven – more is possible for all of us as we age. They’re an inspirational shortcut from what is, to understanding what can be. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a David Burnett photo can transform a thousand lives. To see more of Burnett’s award-winning work, visit DavidBurnett.com.

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Illustration by via TarikVision via Getty Images Illustration by ajijchan Getty Images

Just Begin!

It’s easy to read the stories of National Senior Games athletes and be inspired. It’s also easy to think, ‘Well, that’s them. I’m not an athlete.’ Neither were a lot of the Senior Games athletes when they began.

Taking that first step is certainly how you begin — but how do you keep going? What’s the difference between those who set goals, and those who reach them?

Give Yourself a Chance

People fail to achieve goals they set for a variety of reasons: Setting your sights on a goal that just isn’t realistic. It could be a goal that can’t be met in the time allotted.

Many people attempt large goals — goals that will take a long time or involve many different tactics. While it’s important to have the end in mind, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all that’s required.

“To begin, begin,” William Wordsmith said.

Take Small Steps

Improve your chances of successfully reaching your goal by taking small steps. Can you visualize the big picture — where you want to be when you’ve arrived at your goal? Great!

Now, focus on a small step toward that.

Small action steps work by highlighting what you can do today. Small steps lead to small successes. Small successes turn into accomplishments, and any accomplishment —

no matter how big or small — releases the neurotransmitter dopamine into our bodies, boosting our mood and increasing our motivation to repeat what caused the release.

Create Small Targets

It’s important to stretch ourselves out of our comfort zones, but in ways that allow us to create those small wins for ourselves. For example, instead of committing to working out 30 minutes every day, set a goal to find one thing to do every day to make yourself more active.

Today, take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Tomorrow, take a 20-minute bike ride after work.

The day after, park your car as far away from the grocery store entrance and walk.

Soon you’ll find yourself looking for creative ways to accomplish each day’s goal. Results may not be immediate, but over time your small steps will add up to long-term benefits, and because you’re enjoying small successes along the way, you’ll feel better as you go.

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Tap into Resources

The reality is, we are better together.

First, share your goal with someone whose opinion you respect. A 2019 study found that sharing our goals with someone we admire keeps us both accountable and motivated to keep going.

Secondly, find a workout buddy. If you commit to showing up to run, walk, swim, bike or do yoga with a friend you are more likely to honor that commitment. It’s easy to find an excuse (a long day, the weather, lack of sleep) when it’s just ourselves that we’re letting down.

It’s also a lot more fun to get moving with someone else to talk to and laugh with throughout the workout. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) working out with a partner makes us more motivated, adventurous and consistent.

Any time we step out of our comfort zone we’re going to encounter resistance, many times from both the outside and from within. Friends and family may push back as they adjust to new routines. Other responsibilities and obstacles will pop up. And then there’s our self-talk.

You know, that inner critical voice that says we aren’t making any progress, that this is too hard. There’s science behind that. There’s a part of our brains, the basal ganglia, that stores our existing routines and habits, and loves the status quo. Understand that’s just part of the process and remember why you’re pursuing your goals. That will help re-engage your prefrontal cortex, the most evolved part of our brains that regulates our thoughts, actions and emotions.

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Photo by Sabrina Bracher via Getty Images

Team Up

To begin, begin. “

W I L L I A M WO R D S M I T H

Sometimes we need a little help, and Florida Blue members have access to a number of helpful tools and resources to help them on their journey to better health. For example: → One valuable tool available at no extra cost to most Florida Blue Medicare members is the digital mental well-being program, meQuilibrium. This self-guided personalized program improves resiliency skills and helps with mental well-being — something we can all use right now. Watch a Calm-cast video, try a resilience-building skill or complete an activity, all are designed to help you reduce your stress and improve your health, including videos on:

→ How to Embrace Change (Elior Moskowitz) → How to Handle Change with Confidence (Calm-Cast) → Can You Really Change Your Mind?

(Kara Baskin) → Did you know your Medicare Advantage plan includes membership in Silver Sneakers®? Through Silver Sneakers, you get access to 14,000+ gyms and wellness centers all across the country — all at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. → Florida Blue Centers offer in person and virtual classes, as well as health coaching.

Visit floridablue.com/center /find-a-center to find one near you.

meQuilibrium is an independent company contracted by Florida Blue to provide health and wellness services and resources to members. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2022 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. For more information visit floridablue.com/ndnotice. © 2022 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.

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