Written By Aileen Xiong
At first, they arrived in bathrobes.
Some came just to observe. Wrapped in routine and uncertainty, standing quietly on the sidelines of the Spark Performance League’s (SPL) weekly tournament competitions. But somewhere between the laughter and the cheers, something shifted. Those who watched silently from the sidelines, initially weighed down by age and routine, returned the following week. This time, dressed and ready to compete.
In Lifespark Senior Living Communities like Cedar Creek Senior Living in East Bethel, Minn., and All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee, Minn., team-based activities have become more than scheduled entertainment. For many residents, they offer a path back to identity–a reintroduction to purpose, connection, and confidence in a stage of life often mischaracterized by retreat. Staff members coaching these programs have found that the simple act of showing up is enough–actions speak louder than words.
Lifespark’s SPL is a signature wellness initiative designed to keep older adults mentally, physically, and emotionally engaged through friendly competition and purposeful activity. Through team-based challenges, like the TRYathlon, teams across more than 50 senior living communities can participate in games, movement, and creative expression. These events aren’t just for fun–they’re thoughtfully structured to align with each resident’s personal goals and capabilities, reinforcing Lifespark’s commitment to complete senior health.
Beyond the physical benefits, these programs reduce isolation and support mental health. Many residents enter community living after experiencing the loss of a partner, loss of independence, illness, age, or even a sense of lost purpose. Left unaddressed, this can spiral into loneliness, a known risk factor for depression and cognitive decline in older adults, according to Lifespark Chief Independence Officer Dr. Bill Thomas, creator of the League.
But shared experiences–like cheering for a teammate, laughing over a missed shot, or simply being invited to participate–can be transformative. “We had a resident who wanted to participate in the events. Unfortunately, she was chairbound. It never stopped her from being our lead cheerleader,” said Alyssa Morales, coach of the All Saints Coyotes.
These activities provide routine and rhythm, two things that support emotional stability. Residents begin looking forward to game day. Planning for it and talking about it afterward. The anticipation becomes a spark. And that spark, for some, reignites a part of themselves they hadn’t felt in years. One resident from All Saints hadn’t spoken much during her first week in the community. But after joining the All Saints Coyotes as their unofficial scorekeeper, she began sharing stories that staff and her residential neighbors hadn’t heard before. It was as if, little by little, the team helped her remember who she was.
Of course, not every teammate is there forever. The reality of aging means that the joy of connection sometimes comes with the weight of grief. When a resident passes away, the absence is felt deeply, not just by staff but by fellow players, friends, family, and neighbors. Chairs sit empty. Nicknames go uncalled. A team photo from last season takes on new meaning. “We can still hear her up there yelling at us that we are too slow.” And yet, even in these moments, the community rallies. Stories are shared. Tributes are made and teammates are remembered. Sometimes, a game is played in someone’s honor, complete with laughter through tears. Participating becomes a way to remember, to carry someone’s spirit forward with every serve, toss, or cheer, said Cedar Creek Cheetahs Coach Wendy Zimmerman.
In a quiet but powerful way, the team teaches residents that showing up–even in loss–is an act of love. The sense of camaraderie doesn’t fade when the game ends–it lingers in daily life. Teammates greet each other in halls, share stories of last week’s game, and tease about next week’s rematch–more than anything, these reactions matter. “They not only reshape how outsiders perceive aging, but also by seniors themselves,” said Thomas.
As residents engage more deeply in these activities, many reconnect with parts of themselves they thought were behind them. The competition. The humor. The parts of them that want to feel connected again. Even those who can no longer physically play often remain involved. They keep time, encourage others, or simply show up week after week. Their presence is felt, valued, and celebrated. Because in the end, it’s not just about the game–it’s about strength, purpose, and belonging. And those three things have a profound effect on your life and health.
Purpose isn’t always found in grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with a quiet decision—to get dressed, to show up, to join in. And it all starts by stepping out of the bathrobe.
