Golden Age Games Medalist + Army Veteran Marina Perez, 79, Says Exercise Keeps Her Strong
From marathons to medals, this army veteran never let her age stand in her way
At 64, Army veteran Marina Perez won her first gold medal at the National Veterans Golden Age Games—an achievement that sparked a personal vow: Never let age define you. Now, at 79, she’s become a beacon of inspiration, racking up more than 60 medals and proving it’s never too late to pursue greatness—or joy. Here’s here inspiring story.
Marina Perez never let her age become a hurdle
Stepping up on the podium to accept a gold medal at her first National Veterans Golden Age Games, Marina felt a wave of emotion come over her. As she looked around the field at all the senior veteran athletes participating in the games, her heart swelled. I feel so honored to be here. And to win a medal is incredible, she thought. With the gold medal around her neck, she looked over to her teammates who were cheering and beaming with pride. I have to compete every year, she promised herself as chills ran across her arms.
From that moment on, Marina also made another promise to herself: to never let age stand in her way. Always a runner when she was young, she continued to be active every day whether it was a run around the neighborhood or a walk through the community park.
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I can never let myself get to a place where I can’t move and exercise, she thought.
Young at heart
At 33, Marina ran the New York City marathon for the first time and finished in under five hours. Two years later, she enlisted in the Army and went through basic training with ease. She even shocked some of her superior officers when she was able to keep up with—and even surpass—some of the much younger recruits. Her military career included deployments to the Gulf War and Bosnia, where she received the prestigious Bronze Star Medal.
After 25 years of service at age 60, Marina retired as a sergeant first class. She started a job at the local VA Hospital, but that didn’t mean she was going to slow down.
I have to keep moving. It makes me feel so much happier and more positive, Marina thought as she decided she would take a one-mile walk around the hospital building each day on her lunch break. And if no one can keep up with me, I’ll just keep walking alone! (Discover how walking can add up to 11 years to your life.)
Going for gold at the Golden Age Games
Then one day, a friend told her about a meeting of female veterans so she stopped in. Soon, they were talking about heading to the Golden Age Games. “It’s a sports competition for senior veterans like us,” one woman told the group. “People come from across the United States to compete at different age and ability levels in a variety of events. Let’s put together a group and go together.” Instantly, excitement filled the room. Marina leaned over to her friend and said, “I know I have to go and do the best that I can.”
There were no running events that first year, so Marina challenged herself by entering biking events and horseshoes. While waiting to get on the bike trail for her race, a fellow competitor took a look at Marina’s race bib and was shocked to see which age group she was competing in. “I can’t believe how old you are!” she exclaimed. “You are so energetic and seem so much younger!” With that, Marina hit the trail with a smile on her face and crossed the finish line as the winner.
At her first Golden Age Games, Marina won three gold medals for biking. Each year, she built on her success eventually finding her specialty—track and field. Competing in events like the 100, 200 and 800 meter races, speed walking and shotput. In her 12 years of competing, Marina has collected more than 60 medals. This is what it means to live life to the fullest, she thinks every time she glances at her collection of medals.
Exercise is medicine for the body and mind
This year, Marina, now 79, attended the games in Memphis with her team from Florida in May, where she competed in many of her favorite events and exhibitions like power lifting and volleyball. She couldn’t wait to see all of the friends she’s made over the years. “
The games keep me young. At my age, it’s easy to get lazy but the camaraderie and competition motivates me to keep going. The VA created this opportunity to keep us seniors in shape and connected, and it’s made a huge difference in my life.” When asked what advice she’d give to others who want to stay young and feel good, Marina says: “Stay active. Exercise is the best medicine for the body and mind. It’s never too late to start and it’s always worth it.”
3 ways to stay active at any age
Want to enjoy some of the incredible benefits of physical activity like Golden Age Games medalist Marina does? Here’s how to get started.
Take a walk outdoors
“Walking comes with a host of benefits—like easing pain, boosting immune function, increasing life span and reducing stress,” says Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the CDC. “It’s the closest thing we have to a wonder drug!” What’s more, a study in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20 minutes of walking outdoors lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 28 percent. How so? The study shows that the peaceful sounds and visual beauty of nature have soothing effects.
Schedule play time
Many activities you enjoyed as a child actually double as effective workouts as an adult! Grab a Hula-Hoop to work your abs, or draw a hopscotch layout with chalk on your driveway to get your blood flowing and heart rate up. Plus, studies show that “playing” as an adult increases creativity, productivity and feelings of wellbeing.
Stretch it out
Stretching increases blood flow and circulation, which has many positive health benefits—like reducing swelling and inflammation. “Try a 5-minute ‘chair’ stretching routine,” suggests fitness instructor Denise Austin. “As your muscles lengthen, you’ll feel less pain and stiffness.” Search “simple chair stretches” on YouTube.com for easy how-to’s.
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