September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to promote healthy habits and encourage adults to take positive steps toward their health as they grow older. Across the Middle East North Africa Region, Special Olympics Lebanon’s Aging Athletes Program is bringing this message to life by helping older Special Olympics athletes remain active, healthy, and connected to sport.
In June 2026, Special Olympics Lebanon, in cooperation with Becharat Hayat Association, held an awareness session in Mount Lebanon for 18 athletes aged 30 to 53 through its Aging Athletes Program. The program was created to provide athletes with the knowledge and support needed to make healthy living an ongoing commitment.
During the event, dietitians, coaches, psychologists, and a mental health coordinator came together to teach interactive sessions focused on nutrition, fitness, and mental health. The topics explored healthy eating, hydration, regular exercise, reducing soft drink consumption, and maintaining healthier daily habits. Participants also engaged in discussions around the psychological benefits of staying active. The event aimed to reconnect older Special Olympics athletes with sport while emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing throughout life.
Special Olympics Lebanon’s Aging Athletes Program is part of a longer-term strategy to encourage athletes to take greater ownership of their health after stepping away from regular Special Olympics competition.
The response from participating athletes was encouraging, with many expressing excitement about returning to physical activity and interest in joining an eight-week fitness program.
Looking ahead, Special Olympics Lebanon will offer additional awareness sessions, health screenings, fitness trainings, and Unified Sports events, helping aging athletes remain engaged in sport while promoting lifelong health, fitness, and social connection.
