Senior Is Back in the Game

My 65-plus senior basketball team completed a one-day, six-game tournament at the Senior Olympics on April 10. Our hard work resulted in a second-place standing and the honor of being able to represent California in the nationals later this year in Florida.

Most of us “old folks” played basketball in college about 45 years ago. We are in good condition today, but, take it from me, that doesn’t come easy. Nine years ago, I retired from teaching because of high blood pressure. My doctor insisted that in order to sustain life, I had to take two medications daily. He encouraged me to eat healthily and to exercise, but that didn’t interest me much. As long as I had my medicine, I was able to get by. At the time, I didn’t realize just what a limited basis that was. I was lucky to be able to walk down the street without losing my breath. Athletics was not only out of the question, but was a concept that just never occurred to me.

Two years after I retired, I was in Palm Springs and happened to catch a Senior Olympics basketball game. As I looked on, I realized just how limited I was. I thought about my times in college when playing basketball and other athletics was a natural part of my life. I couldn’t believe that physical activity was something I now envied about others--especially guys older than me! I thought about how much I would like to join in, but I knew it would take work. Seven years later, I am as much an athlete as I was in high school.

The first four years of training had the greatest impact. It took that long to bring my health back to a condition worthy of competition. I lost 37 pounds and got my blood pressure to a healthy level. I kicked the medication shortly after I started training. Finding a track and walking it every day was my first accomplishment. Soon I built up to a jog and added weight training.

Today, I keep the same schedule at the Loma Linda University athletic and fitness facility. My routine, four days a week, consists of basketball competition, shooting practice, cardio work and weights.

How did I do it? By taking the first step, literally. Walking is a great way to begin even if you’re in bad shape. Everything else builds from that first step. Of course, support from family and friends also helps keep me going. I feel better than I ever have. Exercising gave me back my health and vitality. I sure don’t feel 68!

How Did You Do It?

Do you have a story about how you lost weight and kept the pounds off? Or a story about how you learned to mountain climb or in-line skate, trained for a half-marathon, or discovered a unique way of keeping fit, dealing with a nagging ailment or persevering with a fitness regimen despite some obstacles?

If so, we’d like to hear from you. Tell us your story in a 500-word essay listing what worked in terms of diet, exercise and encouragement, as well as any emotional and physical changes.

For weight-loss stories, send us full-body color photos of yourself, before and after. For other types of stories, send a color photo of yourself doing the activity you’re writing about.

Send essay and photos to How I Did It, Health, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Include daytime and evening phone numbers. Submissions cannot be returned. And, please, no phone calls.

In addition to publication, winners will receive a Los Angeles Times Health section gym bag.