At 66, Joni Neidigh isn’t slowing down, she’s picking up speed. A standout competitor at the 2025 National Senior Games and one of just 10 athletes nationwide named a Humana Game Changer, Neidigh is proving that growing older can mean growing stronger.
Held this month in Des Moines, Iowa, the National Senior Games brought together more than 12,000 athletes aged 50 and up for an Olympic-style celebration of lifelong fitness. For Niedigh, the Games represent far more than just a competition; they’re a statement.
“I didn’t grow up an athlete,” Neidigh explains. “But later in life, I realized how powerful it was to move, to train, and to set goals again.”
Her transformation from a casual runner to a fierce competitor and professional motivator caught the attention of Humana Inc.
“Life is so up and down with family and running really helps to destress me. It’s a great way to release energy,” says Neidigh. Some of her best ideas come from running as she allows her mind to manage her thoughts.
“I’m taking care of my body and staying in shape helps me a lot,” she notes.
Local Leader, National Impact
Neidigh leads fitness workshops for seniors, mentors new athletes, and volunteers her time in wellness programs focused on older adults. Her message is simple but powerful: movement matters at any age.
“I love competing,” she says. “But what really drives me is seeing someone else realize they’re capable of more than they thought.”
