Across America state and local governments are figuring out how to deal with aging populations as modern medicine and technology are starting to ensure that people, on average, live longer. According to the 2012 U.S. Census, Florida possesses one of the oldest populations in the United States, as more than 18% of Florida residents are over the age of 65, almost 5 percentage points higher than the national average. To help their aging population remain healthy and lead productive lives, local governments and community organizations are finding creative ways to encourage active lifestyles for older adults. The Good Life Games of Pinellas County Florida has proven to be a very successful way to encourage fitness among older residents of the county, and their model is being replicated throughout the country.

Founded in 1979, the Pinellas County competition aims to encourage older individuals of the community to participate in safe, athletically-centered competition. The Good Life Games, sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee, attract Pinellas County residents age 50 to 90 who maintain active lifestyles, are committed to a sport, or are just interested in a little social interaction. The Olympic-style events that residents can choose to partake in include archery, track and field, swimming, cycling, and more. An awards ceremony, usually held in one of the many public parks throughout Pinellas County, is the culmination of the competition. The winners of each event can choose to participate in the statewide Florida Senior Games State Championship, which consists of the winners of the approximately 20 other Regional Florida Senior Games.

88 percent of the Good Life Games participants have at least one chronic condition that can be improved through exercise. The games represent a chance for area seniors to not only compete against similarly-aged counterparts, but also to interact with peers from around the county that they may have otherwise not had the chance to meet. Many studies have shown that social interaction can be almost as important to healthy aging as physical exercise.

The effort of a wide range of community stakeholders makes the games possible. The Pinellas County Government, nonprofit organizations such as Senior Voice and the National Senior Games Association, sponsorship from local corporations, and contributions from individuals provide the funding for the games. The organizing committee also relies on a large number of volunteers from the community to help run the event.

For more information: http://www.goodlifegames.org/index.html