Sports
IL Athlete, 67, Wins Silver In Basketball At National Senior Games
The Harvey resident is honored as a Humana Game Changer for inspiring others with his passion for staying active.
The National Senior Games, presented by Humana, is the largest multi-sport event in the world for people aged 50+. Ever since the first Games in 1987 in St. Louis, the National Senior Games has sought to motivate adults to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
The 2023 National Senior Games, held in Pittsburgh, included nearly 12,000 athletes from across the country competing in 21 unique sports.
Since 2013, Humana has recognized outstanding athletes – those who exemplify active aging and provide encouragement, motivation, and inspiration for people of all ages to pursue lifelong health – as Humana Game Changers.
Today, Patch is shining a spotlight on James Lewis, 67, from Harvey who won a silver medal in men’s basketball at the National Senior Games. Not only does he love competing in basketball, but he is also passionate about inspiring and motivating others to be active no matter their age.
Below, James talks about competing in the 2023 National Senior Games and shares advice for other seniors looking to stay active.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
How long have you been participating in this sport and how did you get started?
I played basketball all through grade school and into high school. I did not pursue my dream to play in college, but since then, I've continued to play in my adult life. I had been playing competitive 3v3 basketball, until returning to play 5v5 and traveling around the country in Masters Basketball Tournaments 13 years ago.
Can you describe any challenges, health or otherwise, that you had to overcome in order to compete in the National Senior Games?
At age 39, I had a hernia and bone spur in my left great toe. As I was recovering, I set a goal to get stronger and healthier. When I decided to play in the National Senior Games, I had to train in different ways to revamp my game back to 3v3 after playing 5v5 for 13 years.
You were one of 28 athletes selected from the thousands competing at the 2023 National Senior Games for the national honor of being named a Humana Game Changer. Can you tell us more about this honor and what it means to you?
It's humbling and an honor to be chosen as a Humana Game Changer at the 2023 National Senior Games, especially given that there were over 11,500 athletes participating this year. It's a nice recognition for doing what I love for decades, which is encouraging seniors to keep moving and be more active to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why is living a healthy, active lifestyle important to you?
I have seen many seniors in my life fail because of poor health due to remaining inactive. Seeing that made me realize I need to have a more active lifestyle as I age. I think that having a more active lifestyle will help me have a better quality of life in my later years. Playing basketball not only allows me to stay active and work out in the gym, but it is also an outlet for my mental health, providing me with a break when I need it! Basketball helps me to clear and quiet my mind when I need it.
What advice do you have for people wanting to be more active who feel like they don’t know where to start?
I am always telling seniors how important it is to stay active. To help make it fun when you are just starting, I tell them to find a partner, go on walks and find a new activity or hobby. If there are days when you're tired, don’t feel bad about sitting down to rest and recharge, because sometimes you need that, but it’s important to get back to moving when you can. Even if you have pains at times, moving will take your mind off them and may even make them go away!
Please tell us about your experience competing in the 2023 National Senior Games. What was the best part?
Being able to compete in the 2023 National Senior Games was great and a very memorable experience. I was able to compete against other seniors in my age group, many of whom I compete against every year around the country. But it was wonderful to meet so many new competitors in my age group, above and below.
The best part was being chosen as a Humana Game Changer. It afforded me the opportunity to have extra conversations using sports as another avenue to living a healthier lifestyle. I used my Humana Game Changer medal to take pictures of other athletes from 50 to 85 years of age. I took photos of women’s and men's teams, as well as individuals in pickleball, volleyball and basketball referees, along with law enforcement. My humble honor and thanks again, for being chosen as a Humana Game Changer!
Congratulations, James, on your athletic achievements and helping motivate other seniors to lead healthy, active lifestyles!
More about Humana: Since 2007, Humana has sponsored the National Senior Games and celebrated senior athletes with the NSGA. Specifically, Humana supports the National Senior Games’ mission to keep active adults healthy through education, fitness and sport.
