The National Institute on Aging provides some advice on healthy aging. This includes plenty of exercise, socializing with others and finding hobbies you enjoy.

They probably wouldn’t tell older adults to play ice hockey, but that isn’t going to stop a group of senior citizens in Eugene who play and compete on the Oregon Old Growth hockey team. The youngest team member is 70 and the oldest is 83.

Oregon Old Growth recently competed at the annual Snoopy’s Senior World Hockey Tournament in Santa Rosa, California, in the 70-or-older division. Within their division, they finished in third place, beating out Oregon’s other senior team, the Portland Old Buds.

“We’re playing hockey. The adrenaline’s going, you wanna get a hold of the puck and try to go down and score a goal,” said Mike Sheehan, a 72-year-old forward on the team.

Sheehan has been skating for much of his life and has known many of these teammates for more than three decades. He says what keeps him on the ice goes beyond the love of the sport.

“The camaraderie is really a big part, and arguably the most important part, of it,” he said.

Bob Carolan, 83, plays left defense for the team. He thinks hockey is less strenuous than other sports but not without a risk of injury.

“Hockey is actually easier on your joints than basketball or soccer would be, although we probably break a few more bones than they do,” Carolan said.

Carolan recalled how his training as a physician helped save the life of a player who suffered a heart attack on the ice 25 years ago.

“I couldn’t figure out why the whistle had been blown and then I realized this was serious. I went down, did CPR … 10 years later, we’re up in Spokane at a tournament and I ran into him,” he said.

It’s known that as people age, many factors make them more susceptible to injury, and being on the ice may not sound like the best idea. But for many of these players, the risks don’t outweigh their love of the sport.

Sheehan acknowledged the risks associated with hockey, but that won’t stop him from pursuing his love of the sport.

“I feel like anything is a risk. It’s taking a risk walking across the street. There’s a little more risk when we’re playing hockey, but it’s definitely not a deterrence,” Sheehan said.

Mike Sheehan and Bob Carolan spoke to “Think Out Loud” host Dave Miller. You can listen to the full conversation here:

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2024/07/27/oregon-old-growth-eugene-hockey-team/