'Medaling and Pedaling’ is How This Senior Athlete Stays Physically and Mentally Fit

Credit: Nancy Fish

Nancy Fish's physical accomplishments would be the envy of many half her age. At 72, she recently medaled in both the women's singles and doubles racquetball competitions at the 2023 National Senior Games. In addition to her racquetball prowess, she's an avid bicycler, not missing a single day of bike riding in more than three years. While usually covering anywhere between 5 and 30 miles per ride, Fish pushed her limits this past January as part of a Fuller Center Bike Adventure Group, spending a week pedaling 400 miles across Florida and, on the way, helping a family in poverty rebuild their home.

In her spare time, Fish plays pickleball, hikes, kayaks and takes SilverSneakers classes. And she does all that with two full knee replacements.

"I love to stay physically active because it actually gives me more energy, helps me sleep better and also, because I love food, it allows me to eat more than if I wasn't exercising," Fish said. "There's also the mental challenge when playing a racquet sport – having to think strategically – that keeps your mind working and alert. And I especially like the social interactions sports provide. It's a great way to keep physically, mentally and socially fit!"

Fish's athletic feats and her inspiring commitment to staying active recently earned her another accolade; she was honored as a Humana Game Changer at this year's Senior Games – a national recognition of athletes who exemplify healthy aging and provide encouragement, motivation and inspiration for all seniors to live healthy lifestyles.

"I was thrilled to receive that honor, especially because it provides a platform for me to share my enthusiasm and encourage others to engage in activities that keep you feeling healthy and alive," Fish said. While she enjoys excellent health and has been pain-free since her knee surgeries 14 years ago, Fish is a big believer in staying current with annual check-ups and preventative health measures. She also recognizes that it can be challenging to keep that top of mind.

As a Humana Medicare Advantage (MA) plan member, she's grateful for the reminders and communications she receives, letting her know she's due for her mammogram and other health screenings. She also likes that it provides her peace of mind, knowing that if she were to get injured or sick, she's well-covered. As Fish puts it: "I don't ever have to worry about my health care because Humana is taking care of me."

Another benefit of her MA plan that Fish appreciates is that it gives her free access to SilverSneakers at different gym facilities.

While not everyone is able to play competitive racquetball or bicycle for miles, Fish believes everyone can find activities that are good for their health and their quality of life. Here are some of her tips for staying active:

Find something you enjoy doing. It could be pickleball, biking, swimming or simply walking. In fact, walking is a great exercise and even just a 20-minute daily walk can help improve your physical and cognitive health. But make sure to check with your doctor before starting any new physical activity.

Find a companion. When you're committed to an activity involving another person, you're much more likely to carry through with it. It's not only a great motivator, but it's more fun and also provides social interactions that are just as important to your health as physical activity.

Use your daily routines to stay active. When doing errands, walk rather than drive whenever possible. If you do drive, instead of parking at the nearest spot, choose one a distance away from your destination that will require a bit of walking to get there. And take the stairs when feasible, rather than escalators and elevators.

Be consistent and realistic. A new physical activity may cause some initial aches and pains, but if you do it consistently your body will adjust and will actually feel better while exercising. It's important to set realistic goals so you don't overdo it and can continue to enjoy your accomplishments rather than getting frustrated or injured.

Make sure to protect your health. Staying active is essential to good health, as is getting regular preventive medical care. It's important to get annual check-ups, screenings and vaccines. It also helps to have a Medicare Advantage insurance plan that covers extras like vision and hearing, so you can fully engage in the activities that bring you joy.

During the Medicare Annual Election Period, which runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7, eligible beneficiaries – including individuals ages 65 and over and those living with disabilities – will have the opportunity to sign up for Medicare Advantage plans that, unlike Original Medicare, offer supplemental benefits that may include access to fitness programs, prescription drug coverage and even transportation to doctor's appointments.    

Medicare Advantage plans can also help save beneficiaries money. In fact, Medicare Advantage members report spending $2,400 less, on average, on out-of-pocket costs and premiums than those using Original Medicare. Also, Medicare Advantage members are more likely to have a usual source of care, which translates into more frequent routine checkups, higher rates of vaccinations, and higher rates of various preventive screening services.

To learn more about Medicare enrollment and eligibility, how to choose a plan, coverage and costs, visit Humana.com/Medicare101. You can call Humana Customer Care at 1-800-706-1368 (TTY: 711) to discuss Humana plans or contact a licensed insurance agent for assistance with plan details and options available in your area.

 Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in the Humana network.

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By Humana Inc.

Humana Inc. is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.