Art of Aging: Senior Olympics

WPVI logo
Thursday, October 1, 2015
VIDEO: Art of Aging: Senior Olympics
The senior Olympics feature intense competition, cheering fans and the thrill of victory.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- The senior Olympics feature intense competition, cheering fans and the thrill of victory.

For the last ten years, residents from the local Acts Retirement Communities go up against each other in a day of games they call the "Acts Olympics."

"The purpose of the games is actually the spirit of the competition - everybody getting together and having a good time and enjoying beautiful weather and each other's company," said Jeann Oski, Executive Director of Southampton Estates.

They compete in everything - from bocce ball and virtual bowling to horseshoes and swimming.

The games come complete with a torch, waving white towels and a coveted cup that goes to the winning team.

"They like to trash talk and the competition is important to a lot of people - they practice," said Tom Eichner, Executive Director from Southampton Estates.

"We play with a lot of camaraderie and of course we like to win but if you don't, it doesn't matter," said Carol Zacharias from Fort Washington Estates.

The goal for many is simply to stay in the game.

"As you get older you tent to seize up like an old engine without oil, so you gotta get out and you gotta keep moving," said George Long from Southampton Estates.

"Everyone ought to be involved in some kind of activity that pushes you just a little bit," said Ronald Keppler from Springhouse Estates.