Tom Simek got fit at 59 after being diagnosed with osteoporosis and high cholesterol. Now 72, he's competed in "American Ninja Warrior" and won medals in the National Senior Games. The retired building contractor based in Santa Fe had spent his working life prioritizing his family and business over his health. 4) Better sleep"When you're fit, your mind works better, and you sleep better," Simek said. And research shows that being physically active is linked to better sleep quality, according to Dr. Charlene Gamaldo, the medical director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep.

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Persons: Tom Simek, he's, —, Simek, Elizabeth Morris, Charlene Gamaldo Organizations: National Senior Games, Service, Senior, NBC, University of Michigan, Senior Games, Mobility, BMC Health Services Research, Experimental Gerontology, Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep Locations: Santa Fe, New Mexico