01 Feb 2024 Seniors living well

“Mostly, what I have learned so far about aging, despite the creakiness of one’s bones and cragginess of one’s once-silken skin, is this: Do it. By all means, do it.” – Maya Angelou 

501 LIFE is proud to tell the story of senior adults in Central Arkansas who are doing just that—experiencing what makes them happy! Thresa Hunter and Rob Greene are both passionate about playing basketball, representing The Natural State in national-level competitions.

A Malvern native, Hunter always lived an active lifestyle but found herself an empty-nester when her kids graduated. She went back to her roots, rediscovering her love of basketball and experiencing the game again with the Arkansas Diamonds. Hunter’s passion led her to find more than teammates and more than friends–she found sisters while enjoying a sport she loved. Hunter encourages anyone, “If you love something, never give up on it! Get up and just move, one step at a time.”  

Rob Greene finds the same passion for basketball with the Arkansas Big Dogs. The team that consists of all Central Arkansas players is now the two-time defending national champions at the Senior Olympics. “It was a great feeling to win at our age,” Greene said. But he is not stopping there. Greene and his teammates plan to make it a three-peat at the National Games in July 2025.

While not all seniors are competing on the national level like Hunter and Greene, they are making a point to remain active and vibrant. They are proactive about their health and fitness. They are pursuing hobbies that they are passionate about, becoming involved in their communities, enjoying travel and spending valuable time with friends and family. In other words, seniors today are, by all means, making an effort to “just do it.”