WHY THOUSANDS OF VETERANS OVER 55 ARE TRAINING FOR THE VA’S GOLDEN AGE GAMES
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For many Veterans, the hardest part of aging isn’t physical decline. It’s losing the structure, camaraderie, and feeling of purpose that previously defined daily life.
That’s why every year, thousands of older Veterans across the country start training for one of the nation’s most unique events: the National Veterans Golden Age Games, an adaptive sports and rehabilitation program made just for Veterans aged 55 and older.
As America’s Veteran population climbs in age, programs like this are more important than ever, not just for physical health but also to prevent isolation and rebuild connections. For participants, it’s not just about competing. It’s about staying strong, staying connected, and showing that resilience never retires.
What the National Veterans Golden Age Games Are and Why They Exist
The Department of Veterans Affairs created the National Veterans Golden Age Games in 1985 to support healthy aging through physical activity, rehabilitation, and social connection.
According to VA, the Games remain:
- The only multi-sport competition in the world designed to improve the quality of life for older Veterans
- A key initiative within the VA’s Adaptive Sports and Arts Program
- A long-standing rehabilitation and wellness opportunity for aging Veterans
The program operates under the guiding principle of “Fitness for Life.”
VA officials emphasize that regular physical exercise is key to helping older Veterans stay independent, manage chronic health issues, and improve their overall well-being.
Who Can Participate
The Golden Age Games are designed to be inclusive.
Veterans must:
- Be age 55 or older by the end of the qualifying year
- Be enrolled in VA health care
- Receive medical clearance from a health care provider before competing
Participants compete in divisions that ensure safety and fairness.
Age Classifications
Veterans are grouped into eight age categories:
- 55–59
- 60–64
- 65–69
- 70–74
- 75–79
- 80–84
- 85–89
- 90+
Events are also organized into three participation divisions:
- Ambulatory
- Visually impaired
- Wheelchair
This setup makes sure Veterans with different abilities can take part safely and confidently.
What Activities Are Included
The Golden Age Games usually include about 20 or 21 medal events each year. These sports support different physical abilities and encourage rehabilitation and participation.
Common events include:
- Blind disc golf
- Air rifle and air pistol
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Dominoes
- Golf
- Horseshoes
- Pickleball
- Swimming
- Tennis
Each sport emphasizes accessibility, participation, and wellness instead of focusing solely on elite competition.
Why These Games Matter for Veteran Health
VA clinical guidance consistently shows that regular physical exercise helps Veterans age healthily.
Participation in structured fitness programs is associated with:
- Improved stamina and muscle strength
- Better joint mobility and bone health
- Reduced arthritis symptoms
- Lower possibility of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes
- Enhanced mood and reduced stress
VA recreation therapy programs often include sports and physical activities as part of wider rehabilitation and wellness plans. Check your local VA for availability.
More Than Fitness: Restoring Purpose and Bond
For many participants, the biggest impact of the Games isn’t physical, it’s mental and social.
The program provides:
- A reinvigorated sense of purpose
- Opportunities to build lasting ties with fellow Veterans
- A structured goal to train toward each year
- An encouraging community environment
Many participants say that training for the Games keeps them involved in fitness and recreation programs at their local VA all year.
Breaking Barriers to Participation
One of the program’s biggest strengths is how accessible it is.
The Golden Age Games are created to ensure:
- Veterans with disabilities can fully participate
- Physical limitations do not prevent involvement
- Competition remains safe, inclusive, and encouraging
The focus isn’t on winning medals. It’s about improving quality of life through movement, connection, and shared Veteran experiences.
Why the Golden Age Games Continue to Matter
Four decades later, the Games still tackle the biggest challenges older Veterans face: isolation, declining health, and loss of purpose after service. By blending rehabilitation, fitness, and community, the program helps Veterans stay independent and reconnect with the camaraderie and sense of purpose they knew during their service.
For Veterans, strength isn’t determined by age. It’s defined by choosing to keep showing up.
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BY NATALIE OLIVERIO
Veteran & Senior Contributor, Military News at VeteranLife
Navy Veteran
Natalie Oliverio is a Navy Veteran, journalist, and entrepreneur whose reporting brings clarity, compassion, and credibility to stories that matter most to military families. With more than 100 published articles, she has become a trusted voice on defense policy, family life, and issues shaping the...
Credentials
Expertise
Natalie Oliverio is a Navy Veteran, journalist, and entrepreneur whose reporting brings clarity, compassion, and credibility to stories that matter most to military families. With more than 100 published articles, she has become a trusted voice on defense policy, family life, and issues shaping the...
