THINK THIS MONTH’S WINTER OLYMPICS ARE ONLY FOR ATHLETES?
Think again–they’re for you, too, especially senior citizens. Anyone can participate in easy movement in support of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Why? The Games will be hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 through 22, and are meant to inspire movement in people of all nations and all walks of life, “At a time when sedentary lifestyles are a leading risk factor for public health,” said the Games’ sponsoring body, Milano Cortina 2026. The 2026 Winter Olympics website said the games promote movement.
“The Games are promoting movement, inclusion, and healthy lifestyles for all. The overarching objective is to inspire daily physical activity and to support a healthier society long after the Olympic flame has gone out.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) adds further concern, when they said, “Physical inactivity is an increasing threat to global health. Out of the worldwide adult population, 31 percent do not meet the levels of physical activity WHO recommends–150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.”
This is why movement–hopefully driven by these Olympics– through small, everyday actions, is key to physical, mental, and even societal health, according to WHO.
Here in the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) points to a specific segment of the population that can benefit from movement, Olympic-inspired or otherwise.
“The focus is on lifestyle and, in particular, physical activity as a driver for a healthy and long life for older people,” said the NIH. “Aging and inactivity increase the risk of chronic disease,” according to the NIH, adding that senior citizens often have multiple chronic conditions.
The NIH said further, “This is where physical activity can help. A continuing regime of movement helps prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Physical activity improves mental health, delays the onset of dementia, and improves wellbeing.
So how can you participate in watching the Winter Games to improve your own health? Get off the couch and move. Here are some examples.
•During commercial breaks, walk around the block or your neighborhood or do a set of pushups, jumping jacks, or squats.
•Stand up and cheer during exciting moments–just like you would if you were there in person. Celebrate a goal in hockey, a point in curling, a record performance in ice dancing, or a thrilling run in bobsledding.
•Do a certain number of crunches every time your favorite athlete or team scores or does well.
•Dance excitedly when whoever you root for wins a medal.
•Mimic micro-speed skating by doing side-to-side slides.
•Get creative and include your own activities that will inspire movement or incorporate a few of the ideas above.
By incorporating these simple strategies, watching these Games can become an engaging way to lift your physical activity level.
But don’t stop when the Games end. Use the Olympics for inspiration.
Schedule family time for walks, bike rides, or trying a new sport together. Join an organized fitness event or a running or swimming club.
The Olympic–and Paralympic –Games are not just an international sporting extravaganza. Milano Cortina 2026 said they represent an opportunity to inspire and embed the value of movement in everyone’s daily life. ✲
