Senior Program
Providing inclusive health promotion, physical activity, and Unified sports designed specifically for participants with and without intellectual disabilities aged 35 and older.
Sports & Fitness at Every Stage
Sports participation at every age level has its unique benefits, qualities, and needs. As older athletes with intellectual disabilities progress through our sports programs, they may experience physiological, sensory, or social changes.
Our Senior Program directly addresses these changes—offering tailored training lengths, rules adjustments, and wellness support to ensure that athletes can safely and enjoyably maintain a healthy lifestyle and find success.
Aging Considerations
- ✓ Physiological Support: Accommodations for musculoskeletal system changes, joint health, and balance.
- ✓ Sensory Adjustments: Adapting to memory, vision, and hearing updates in game setup and refereeing.
- ✓ Medication & Safety: Ensuring coaches monitor hydration and physical exertion levels closely.
- ✓ Meaningful Choices: Providing flexible ways to play, whether in high-stakes competition or a casual walking club.
Three Program Formats
We design ongoing activities to match the pace, goals, and interests of each participant.
Sports Training & Competition
Structured training and competition tailored to gender, age, and ability. Focuses on popular Unified sports: Bocce, Golf, Bowling, Swimming, Snowshoeing, and the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP).
Recreational Sports
Modified regulations, shorter training seasons, and informal competition. Highlights physical activity, fun, and recreational achievement with adjusted requirements for older participants.
Unified Fitness
Group physical activity and personalized wellness planning. Offerings include walking/running clubs, strength & conditioning, circuit training, yoga, Zumba, and interactive health education series.
Who Competes Together
Senior program teams rely on a close-knit group of peers, coaches, and support networks.
The Athlete
Special Olympics athletes aged 35 and older. Focuses on safe exercise, balance, mobility support, and personal choice to match physical abilities and medication changes.
The Partner
Teammates without intellectual disabilities aged 30 and older (senior community members, family members, or health professionals) who train and play side-by-side with senior athletes.
The Coach
Certified volunteer leaders trained in the effects of aging, mobility modifications, and requirements for safe fitness and physical activity for senior athletes.
Additional Resources
Explore planning, retirement advice, and housing resources tailored to healthy senior lifestyles in Alaska.
Senior Housing Net Advice & Planning ↗Inclusive Health Manager
Have questions about registering a senior athlete or volunteering as a senior partner? Reach out to our Inclusive Health Manager.
Emily Vandergon
Inclusive Health Manager
Office: 3200 Mountain View Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501
Email: emily2@specialolympicsalaska.org
Phone: 907-222-7625 ext. 612