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Most long-distance runners have packed away their sneakers by the time they reach 60. But that’s when Ellen Demsky was just getting started. Since then, the now 84-year-old has run more than 50 marathons while taking on a part-time career as a university instructor teaching older adults how to prevent cognitive decline. “It’s just a matter of getting out the door,” she says. “Then each day, you do a little bit more.”
The moral of Demsky’s story? You can reinvent your fitness at any age to support better physical health, train your brain, and boost overall well-being.
From 5Ks to marathons
After devoting years to raising her three children, Demsky was ready to find an activity for herself. She took up running to improve her health, joining a weekly running group made up “of people of all ages and different speeds” near her home in Los Angeles. “The camaraderie, the encouragement of other people, and running more and more each week motivated me,” she says.
In 2005, she entered the 5K at the National Senior Games presented by Humana, a biennial multi-sport event for athletes ages 50 and up. To Demsky’s surprise, she won—even though others in the race remarked that she “didn’t look like a runner.” The victory signaled that running wasn’t just a casual (or temporary) endeavor. “I was like, Wow, I’m on a podium,” Demsky recalls. “I can do something with this.”
And just like that, she officially had the racing bug. In the past two decades, Demsky has run marathons every year in Los Angeles and four times in Boston. She’s also run internationally, completing marathons in Antarctica, India, France, and Canada.
When it comes to staying sharp, mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity.
Twenty years after her first appearance at the National Senior Games, she’s being recognized as one of 10 Humana Game Changers, a group of athletes who exemplify healthy aging and inspire others through their personal stories of perseverance, transformation and passion for wellness. “Just because someone’s 80 doesn’t mean they can’t go for a walk, go swimming, or go on trips,” says Isabel Souffront, MD, a Florida-based physician who provides care for older adults as part of her role with Conviva Senior Primary Care, a Humana Primary Care Organization. “Life doesn’t end after a certain age—it can just be beginning for some.”
Demsky kept pushing the envelope because it made her feel good, and because she knew she had it in her to keep going. Her biggest inspiration was athletes who were older than her—like a nun in her 90s who is still competing in triathlons. “My attitude is that if they can do it, I can do it, and you can do it, too,” Demsky says.
Helping others thrive
After turning 80 during the pandemic, Demsky did cut back to half-marathons, sensing her body was ready for lower volume. And with less time pounding the pavement, she’s been able to channel her energy toward other pursuits, like teaching.
Inspired by her studies in functional aging—specifically, how leading a healthy lifestyle can stave off cognitive decline—Demsky developed a course for adults over 50 called “How Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent Dementia.” The thing she emphasizes most? Regular physical activity. Experts like Dr. Souffront agree that staying active is one of the best things older adults can do for their cognitive and overall health. “It can help us reduce things like dementia, depression, and some of the physical disabilities that we get from lack of movement,” she says.
Working her brain for better longevity
When it comes to staying sharp, Demsky and Dr. Souffront agree that mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity.
“Trying new things—whether it’s a hobby, an instrument, or a puzzle—stimulates the brain and helps protect against mental decline,” Dr. Souffront explains. “You’ve got to exercise your brain. It’s like anything in life. If you can strengthen that muscle, more power to you.”
In addition to teaching courses, Demsky makes it a point to fill her calendar with social engagements. Sometimes that means joining friends for a run. Other times, it’s meeting up with a group of fellow camera enthusiasts that she formed more than a decade ago while teaching photography classes in her home. “It’s all ex-students. We’ve become friends!” she says.
Humana
Demsky, 84, will be competing at the National Senior Games this summer.
She also enjoys spending time with her six grandkids—whether cheering them on at soccer or playing games with them during family gatherings. “I challenged my 11-year-old grandson to one of his memory-card games with different types of dinosaurs,” Demsky recalls. “He usually beats everybody, but I was able to beat him once!”
And when she’s not involved in social activities, Demsky nonetheless keeps her mind active. She loves to read and listen to audiobooks. “Sometimes I have to read [complex concepts] two or three times to totally understand it, but that really stretches my brain,” says Demsky, who’s also working on writing her memoir. “I get up early in the morning and do my intellectual stuff then, because that’s when I’m sharpest.”
Her advice for others
Demsky’s back at the National Senior Games this summer, competing in road racing, track and field, power walking, and the triathlon. She still enjoys the competition, but that’s not necessary to reap the benefits of a physically and mentally active lifestyle. The key is to simply find ways to keep moving. When Dr. Souffrant talks with her patients about the best strategies to support brain health, she emphasizes “trying new things, like a new hobby, to challenge yourself.”
“It’s just a matter of getting out the door. Then each day, you do a little bit more.”
Staying active is one of the best things older adults can do for their cognitive and overall health.
You can start anytime, anywhere, says Demsky. If you’re new to exercise, begin by walking down your block, then walking to the nearest park, and so on. Use your smartphone to count your steps so you can track your progress over time. “It’s so encouraging for me,” she says. “I’ll see that I did five miles, and I can try for six tomorrow.” But one or two miles is a great goal for less experienced exercisers, Dr. Souffrant adds.
On the mental front, brain games are an easy entry point: Older adults who participate in regular brain-training sessions can experience long-term cognitive improvements, research shows. A new addition to this year’s National Senior Games, the Humana Cognitive GamesTM is a great opportunity for some friendly brain-boosting competition. From July 14 through August 11, you can take on virtual challenges to exercise your mind—and start on your journey toward sustained well-being.
Give your brain a workout with the Humana Cognitive Games from July 14 to August 11.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.
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