RALEIGH — A group of seniors in the Triangle are proving age is nothing but a number, showing off their skills in arts and athletics.

The Wake County Senior Games & Silver Arts promotes health and wellness for those 50 and older, through a number of sanctioned games and competitions. It is a great way to make friends, create a sense of comradery, and of course promote healthy living.

According to the National Institute of Health, the benefits of regular exercise for seniors include: prevention and management of disease, improvement in mood, decrease in stress, and depression management.

The need for the games is also growing. The population for those 65 and up in Wake County is expected to grow by 80 percent by 2030, with more than 200,000 people in that range expected over the next 12 years.

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with Lamar Davis and JoAnn Harrington, Board Members and athletes who participate in the games.

Davis has been competing for six years in everything from shotput and long jump, to one-mile cycling, long jump and the 50-meter dash. Meanwhile Harrington is competing this year in the 10k cycling event, and regularly takes part in competition with others in her senior living community.

Events for the Wake County Senior Games take place in Raleigh, Garner, Apex and Cary and include the following: basketball, billiards, bocce, bowling, cornhole, cycling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, softball, swimming, table tennis, 5 & 10k races, tennis and track & field.

In addition to sporting events, the games also offer Silver Arts competitions where participants can get creative in the following ways: dance, vocal, instrumental, painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, basketry, sewing, woodwork, jewelry, stained glass, pottery, poetry, essays, short stories, cheerleading and pottery.

The competitions usually take place in April each year, but the deadline to sign up is quickly approaching. If you would like to learn more, or to register for the games or artistic events, they’re open to those ages 50 and up.  Registration for the games continues through March 10. If you would like to learn more, visit their website or call (919) 661-6890.