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.”
