Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes
Welcome to our special series highlighting the stories of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes as they work towards their fitness goals in 2024. You can read all their stories here.
Hello everyone, I’m Tom Simek. At 72, I reside in the woods at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Santa Fe, NM. I am honored to be chosen as one of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes, allowing me to share my journey with others.
Sharing the stories of our life journeys is crucial as seniors. We’ve all faced obstacles, and it’s important for others to know they are not alone and that overcoming challenges is possible. We all need to be inspired!
My Source of Inspiration
At 59, I faced various health issues, including high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and severe sleep apnea due to being overweight and out of shape. Determined to turn things around for myself and my family, I began with walking and gradually incorporated yoga and bodyweight exercises. Today, I am in the best shape of my life, competing in track meets with my granddaughter and ninja athletic competitions.
Finding More Inspiration
My personal journey has been enriched by connecting with others and hearing their stories. Witnessing how individuals have overcome challenges to enhance their quality of life in their senior years is truly inspiring. One friend, a track athlete, triumphed over cancer and returned as an award-winning athlete after receiving immense support from loved ones.
Age is no barrier to inspiration. Through my athletic pursuits, I’ve befriended active individuals in their 80s and 90s, showing me the possibilities of pursuing a healthy lifestyle at any age. Regarding family, my younger sister-in-law’s dedication to weight-bearing exercises to combat severe osteoporosis without resorting to medication serves as a powerful example.
On the ninja circuit, I’ve encountered stories of young athletes triumphing over adversity, such as a young rock climber diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 11 who went on to become the Women’s National Ninja Champion in 2023 while chasing her Olympic dream.
Discover Your Own Inspiration!
Challenges can pave the way for new opportunities, leading us to achieve levels of fitness and quality of life we never thought possible.
There are countless inspiring stories that demonstrate how obstacles can fuel new directions and improve our lives significantly. Sometimes, challenges serve as opportunities, pushing us further towards our goals and a healthier lifestyle we may have never imagined.
Join me for my upcoming presentation at seniorplanet.org/fitness on Wednesday, September 18 at 1:30pm EDT, where I’ll guide you in creating your own inspiring narratives to inspire others. See you there!
Missed my previous presentation? Watch it below!
