It was in St. Louis, MO, where Kay Poole fell in love with sports as she dribbled, juked and shot three-pointers into the Basketball hoop hanging above the garage. As time went on, throughout her childhood and beyond, you could find Kay on more than just a basketball court. In high school, she also played field hockey and softball, going on to play all three sports at Principia College in Elash, Illinois. 

After graduating and marrying her husband, Edwin, Kay enjoyed her career for many years as a physical education teacher. Eventually the two retired to Winston-Salem, NC, and one night while watching Edwin play basketball, Kay noticed a ladies senior group playing nearby. Just like that, she became the newest member of The Silver Spirits, and she found her way back to the first sport she fell in love with. Since joining the team in 1997, Kay and her teammates have been all across the country playing in games and tournaments alike.

Today, Kay is a resident at The Colonnades, a Sunrise Senior Living community in Virginia. Recently after receiving a fifth place finish at the National Senior Games in 2015, a third place finish in Arkansas, and two first place finishes in Virginia and North Carolina state tournaments, Kay, at 80 years old, is preparing with her team as they get ready to compete at the 2017 National Senior Games in Birmingham, AL, in June.

As we celebrate Women’s Health Week, Kay Poole is a wonderful example of the importance health and fitness, no matter what your age! Without living a Healthy Lifestyle, Kay wouldn’t be able to compete like she does and if you’re curious how she does it, here’s what she had to say.

“In order to continue playing basketball, which I love, I need to remain healthy. I do this by attending two exercise classes Monday through Thursday, plus taking a long walk and working out on the machines in the fitness room at The Colonnades each day. I practice shooting basketball once a week at a rec center nearby besides practicing once a month in North Carolina. Eating three healthy meals each day and maintaining my weight along with exercising makes for a fun happy life.”

Want to learn other ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Check out the Fitness and Lifestyle articles, and more on The Sunrise Blog.