May is recognized nationwide as Older Americans Month. Created by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), it’s a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm a commitment to serving older adults.

According to ACL.gov, the 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging.” The focus is on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging.

One common stereotype of older Americans is that they are fragile, easily fatigued and live a slower pace of life. In a 2023 article on LeafHome.com, however, these athletes over 60 challenged those notions.

  • Kay Glynn – When she graduated from Nishna Valley High School in Indiana in 1971, she held the state record for the long jump. After nearly three decades, she returns to track and field. In 2023, at the age of 28, she set a new age group world record in the pole vault and a new American record in the pentathlon, which features five events in one day. “I love the feeling of being healthy,” Glynn told GrowingBolder.com. “It’s all about the health and the people.”
  • Florence “Flo” Meiler — A New York native, Meiler participated in basketball and cheerleading in high school, but she didn’t get serious about athletics until the age of 60, when she joined friends on a masters track team. Since that time, Meiler has established at least 35 world records in masters athletics. She set U.S. and world records for pole vault at the 785-70 and 80-84 age categories, and in July of 2024, she set a new world record in the women’s over 90 age category for 80m hurdles.
  • Nancy Burnham — After discovering prolapsed heart valves at the age of 61, she headed toward a gym to begin her first workout routine. Ten years later, she was an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and she published a book, “My War on Aging: Moving Through Life.” Her exercise routine includes a mix of Pilates, strength training and a cardiovascular activity.

All of these incredible examples agree on one thing, it’s never too late to start exercising.That ties perfectly to another May observance, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, started by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition in 1983, to encourage Americans to embrace healthy lifestyles and participate in physical activity.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services encourages older adults to get active to minimize the impact of aging on their health. The below guide from the “Move Your Way” campaign provides tips for recommended activity and advice on getting started.

The Greenbrier Clinic is also here to help. Contact your health care provider or make an appointment with Clinical Fitness Consultant Josh Beverage to begin your exercise plan today.