At 64, Military veteran Marina Perez received her first gold medal on the Nationwide Veterans Golden Age Video games—an achievement that sparked a private vow: By no means let age outline you. Now, at 79, she’s turn into a beacon of inspiration, racking up greater than 60 medals and proving it’s by no means too late to pursue greatness—or pleasure. Right here’s right here inspiring story.

Marina Perez by no means let her age turn into a hurdle

Stepping up on the rostrum to simply accept a gold medal at her first Nationwide Veterans Golden Age Video games, Marina felt a wave of emotion come over her. As she seemed across the discipline in any respect the senior veteran athletes collaborating within the video games, her coronary heart swelled. I really feel so honored to be right here. And to win a medal is unimaginable, she thought. With the gold medal round her neck, she seemed over to her teammates who have been cheering and beaming with delight. I’ve to compete yearly, she promised herself as chills ran throughout her arms.

From that second on, Marina additionally made one other promise to herself: to by no means let age stand in her means. All the time a runner when she was younger, she continued to be lively daily whether or not it was a run across the neighborhood or a stroll by the group park.

I can by no means let myself get to a spot the place I can’t transfer and train, she thought.

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Younger at coronary heart

At 33, Marina ran the New York Metropolis marathon for the primary time and completed in below 5 hours. Two years later, she enlisted within the Military and went by primary coaching with ease. She even shocked a few of her superior officers when she was in a position to sustain with—and even surpass—among the a lot youthful recruits. Her army profession included deployments to the Gulf Struggle and Bosnia, the place she obtained the distinguished Bronze Star Medal.

After 25 years of service at age 60, Marina retired as a sergeant top quality. She began a job on the native VA Hospital, however that didn’t imply she was going to decelerate.

I’ve to maintain shifting. It makes me really feel a lot happier and extra optimistic, Marina thought as she determined she would take a one-mile stroll across the hospital constructing every day on her lunch break. And if nobody can sustain with me, I’ll simply maintain strolling alone! (Uncover how strolling can add as much as 11 years to your life.)

Going for gold on the Golden Age Video games

Then someday, a good friend informed her a few assembly of feminine veterans so she stopped in. Quickly, they have been speaking about heading to the Golden Age Video games. “It’s a sports competition for senior veterans like us,” one girl informed the group. “People come from across the United States to compete at different age and ability levels in a variety of events. Let’s put together a group and go together.” Immediately, pleasure stuffed the room. Marina leaned over to her good friend and stated, “I know I have to go and do the best that I can.”

There have been no operating occasions that first yr, so Marina challenged herself by coming into biking occasions and horseshoes. Whereas ready to get on the bike path for her race, a fellow competitor took a have a look at Marina’s race bib and was shocked to see which age group she was competing in. “I can’t believe how old you are!” she exclaimed. “You are so energetic and seem so much younger!” With that, Marina hit the path with a smile on her face and crossed the end line because the winner.

At her first Golden Age Video games, Marina received three gold medals for biking. Every year, she constructed on her success finally discovering her specialty—observe and discipline. Competing in occasions just like the 100, 200 and 800 meter races, velocity strolling and shotput. In her 12 years of competing, Marina has collected greater than 60 medals. That is what it means to dwell life to the fullest, she thinks each time she glances at her assortment of medals.

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Train is drugs for the physique and thoughts

This yr, Marina, now 79, attended the video games in Memphis together with her workforce from Florida in Might, the place she competed in a lot of her favourite occasions and exhibitions like energy lifting and volleyball. She couldn’t wait to see all the associates she’s made through the years. “

The video games maintain me younger. At my age, it’s straightforward to get lazy however the camaraderie and competitors motivates me to maintain going. The VA created this chance to maintain us seniors in form and linked, and it’s made an enormous distinction in my life.”  When requested what recommendation she’d give to others who need to keep younger and really feel good, Marina says: “Stay active. Exercise is the best medicine for the body and mind. It’s never too late to start and it’s always worth it.”

3 methods to remain lively at any age

Need to get pleasure from among the unimaginable advantages of bodily exercise like Golden Age Video games medalist Marina does? Right here’s the right way to get began.

Take a stroll outside

“Walking comes with a host of benefits—like easing pain, boosting immune function, increasing life span and reducing stress,” says Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the CDC. “It’s the closest thing we have to a wonder drug!” What’s extra, a examine in Frontiers in Psychology discovered that simply 20 minutes of strolling outside lowers ranges of the stress hormone cortisol by 28 p.c. How so? The examine reveals that the peaceable sounds and visible fantastic thing about nature have soothing results.

Schedule play time

Many actions you loved as a baby truly double as efficient exercises as an grownup! Seize a Hula-Hoop to work your abs, or draw a hopscotch format with chalk in your driveway to get your blood flowing and coronary heart price up. Plus, research present that “playing” as an grownup will increase creativity, productiveness and emotions of wellbeing.

Stretch it out

Stretching will increase blood movement and circulation, which has many optimistic well being advantages—like lowering swelling and irritation. “Try a 5-minute ‘chair’ stretching routine,” suggests health teacher Denise Austin. “As your muscles lengthen, you’ll feel less pain and stiffness.” Search “simple chair stretches” on YouTube.com for straightforward how-to’s.

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This content material is just not an alternative to skilled medical recommendation or prognosis. All the time seek the advice of your doctor earlier than pursuing any therapy plan.