The Science of Aging Well: How Your Beliefs Affect Your Health
The “Senior” Curse
Let’s face it, the word “senior” has some big problems. It’s weighed down with decades of age-related biases. “Senior” implies decline, irrelevance, illness, and incompetence. It’s a stigma – period. And despite all of the obvious negatives, “senior” is deeply entrenched and hard to avoid.
Shifting from “Senior”
Today, however, to their credit, some national organizations are replacing “senior” with age-specific labels such as AARP’s “50-plus”. Other words being used to describe older adults now include “veteran,” “champion,” and “master.”
Moving Towards “Master”
Nowhere is the departure from “senior” more noticeable than in sports. In 2022, the International Tennis Federation renamed its “ITF Seniors Tour’”to the “ITF World Masters Tour”. The ITF said the goal was to involve people, “no matter what their age.” If you play golf, you might remember the “Senior PGA Tour.” In 2015 it became the “PGA Tour Champions.”
What is a Master Athlete?
You can think of “Master” sports as more age-inclusive and open. Many Masters groups welcome people from teens to 100+. They also welcome people who simply enjoy an activity and want to learn more about it. You don’t have to be an accomplished athlete to participate.
Become a Master Swimmer
If you’re 18 or 100+ and love swimming, you can become a U.S. Masters Swimming member. It’s easy. You can compete in USMS events in pools or in open water or simply take advantage of hundreds of swim instructions and courses.
Master Runner
If you like to run fast or just for fun, the USATF Masters invite anyone from age 35 to 100+ to participate in age-category events from 100-meter sprints to half marathons. The organization hosts events in every state and in regional and national events.
Master Cyclist
The USA Cycling group welcomes cyclists age-35 and over to ride in their Masters’ road racing, mountain bike, cyclocross, and indoor track events. Novices are welcome and USA Cycling hosts non-competitive events for all ages.
Pop Pop! Masters
For pickleball players, look no further than the non-profit USA Pickleball governing body for pickleball in the U.S. The fast-growing sport of pickleball is so new and welcoming that people of any age are encouraged to join. You won’t find the word “senior” used in the organization.
Master Any Sport
Today you can find “Masters” groups for nearly every sport including hockey, badminton, weightlifting, and even for the hiking sport of orienteering. All of them exist to encourage active lifestyles and achievement for people of nearly all ages without anyone being labeled “senior.” If there’s a sport or activity you love, look for a “masters” organization that hosts events in your state. You’ll meet like-minded enthusiasts who will can your favorite activity more competitive and a lot more fun.
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