News & Media

Maine's YMCAs and Senior Fitness Organization Team Up for Senior Fitness Awareness

AUGUST 25, 2014 (Scarborough, ME) – The YMCA Alliance of Maine and Maine Senior Games have joined forces to raise awareness about opportunities offered by both state organizations for seniors to achieve greater health and fitness.

Maine is one of the first states taking action in a senior fitness awareness partnership that has been forged between the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) and the YMCA of the USA.  NSGA governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors, and athletes 50 and over qualify at 51 member games, such as Maine Senior Games.

“We know there are many active seniors who are not aware of opportunities for fun, fellowship and fitness afforded by local, state and national Senior Games," said NSGA CEO Marc T. Riker  “It made sense to reach out to other organizations with similar health and wellness missions , and the YMCA was at the top of the list to engage."

"Adults 50 and older are the fastest growing group at the Y and we are committed to providing activities that keep them engaged physically, mentally and socially , " said Andy Hamblett, Executive Director of the Boothbay Region YMCA and Chair of the YMCA Alliance of Maine. " Participating in Maine Senior Games  gives the Y the opportunity to build awareness for our senior programs and services while giving our members participating in the games the opportunity  to take their fitness activity to another level.”

As a first step, the two organizations are formulating an action plan to utilize the communications channels of each to expand awareness with their members and the general senior population.  This includes sharing information and links between websites and in newsletters, printed materials and email communications. 

"We see a lot of opportunity to bring fitness to more seniors and to enhance their experience," said Jo Dill, coordinator for Maine Senior Games, which are administrated by the Southern Maine Agency on Aging.  "The YMCA can be a great place for our athletes to maintain health and hone their skills.  There are probably Y members 50 and over who don't know they can still compete in a favorite sport.  So this awareness building partnership is a win-win for everyone."

"The initial goal is greater visibility and awareness of each partner organization, and we're excited to be among the first states to put it in motion," Dill added. "It will be interesting to see if other opportunities result that will motivate more of our senior population to pursue healthy, active lifestyles." 

About the Nationa Senior Games Association
The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a nonprofit member of the United States Olympic Committee that promotes health and wellness for adults 50 and over through education, fitness and sport.  NSGA governs the 2015 National Senior Games Presented by Humana, the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors.  NSGA sanctions member state organizations across the country that host Senior Games or Senior Olympics to provide seniors with quality sports activity.

About the YMCA
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Y’s engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.

About the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Since 1973, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging has provided residents of York and Cumberland counties with resources and assistance to address the issues and concerns of aging. The Agency serves people ages 60 and older, family caregivers, and people under 60 with a disability. Agency services are devoted to fulfilling its mission of improving the social, emotional, physical and economic well-being of older adults in southern Maine.