BYU College of Nursing professor, Dr. Petr Ruda and nine undergraduate students recently worked with seniors from all over the world and observed how different cultures approach health. But they didn’t have to travel far. They went to the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah on October 10-11. The games, which have been held for 30 years, are the largest multi-sport event in the world for athletes aged 50 and older.
This year there were about 11,500 athletes, ranging in age from 50 to 106 years old. Participants hailed from all 50 states and more than 25 different countries. There are 42 different events at the games including archery, basketball, bowling, climbing, cycling, golf, pickleball, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
During the games, which last for two weeks in October, there are several health screenings offered to participants to check blood pressure and heart rate, carotid artery health, cholesterol and glucose, cognitive wellness, balance, hearing, oral hygiene, aerobic fitness, etc. Dr. Ruda and his group helped perform complimentary health screenings for participants.
Dr. Ruda remarked, “This was an amazing opportunity for students to work with a healthy aging population and practice the skills they are learning in their classes, as well as interact with people from all over the world.”
Bryce Lewis, a third-semester nursing student who volunteered at the games was quite inspired by the senior athletes. “One of the days I was assigned to coach participants through functional fitness exercises to see how their overall fitness level was for their age group. I thought it would be fun to go through the exercises with each of the participants who came through as a way to cheer them on, but I soon realized that I could not keep up with many of the athletes!” Bryce continued, “It was inspirational for me to see the benefits of taking care of our long-term health, especially when many of our experiences interacting with their age group in clinical settings are so vastly different. There was one man who jokingly wished me better luck next year, and I look forward to bringing my A-game when that rematch comes.”
Bryce wasn’t the only one inspired. As a nursing student nearly twenty years ago, Dr. Ruda had the opportunity to volunteer at the games himself. He recalls that this experience was a major turning point in his education. Although initially drawn to the nursing program for its academic rigor and challenge, he wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do in the future. During his volunteer experience, he had moments that solidified his desire to pursue nursing. “I guess you just have to have moments like that . . . when you actually get to use the knowledge that you have been taught on real people. When I went to the games [as a student], that’s when I realized I really did want to be a nurse.”
Many years have passed since BYU College of Nursing has sent volunteers to the games, but Dr. Ruda recently felt inspired to give students the opportunity to experience the delight of volunteering at the games and set to work making plans. He also felt it was important to add a peer mentoring element by inviting more experienced students to mentor first-semester nursing students. He shared, “As an instructor, I was able to mentor the students by observing them and encouraging them to try different techniques or position the patient a certain way. But it was also special to observe how they mentored each other! There were just so many pieces that came together perfectly.”
First-semester nursing student Lindsay Jenson realized the importance of mentor relationships during the trip. She said, “When I was doing the health screening for cholesterol, I was struggling to make the test work and get results. I tend to try and do everything myself…but an older student offered to give me some tips. I decided to be humble and listen, and his advice really helped me to get better results with the test.” Lindsay reflected, “I think [humility] is a critical skill to develop, especially in the first couple years of nursing when there is so much to learn and so many mentors willing to teach. We just have to be humble enough to ask for help and listen.”
Bryce was able to mentor new students like Lindsay but also enjoyed learning from Dr. Ruda. “It was great to learn in one-on-one settings with him throughout the trip. Dr. Ruda has always struck me as an individual who goes above and beyond in many different settings, striving to help students not only master challenging concepts but also express constant support and encouragement where needed. I loved talking with him and asking him lots of questions.”
Dr. Ruda was impressed with students who took time out of their busy schedules to volunteer at the games. “They practiced the Healer’s art...by recognizing that these athletes from all over the world are children of Heavenly Father – their brothers and sisters. They may not speak a common language, but we could still help them assess their heart function.” He observed, “The Healer’s art was evident through the sacrifice they made to drive down to St. George and be part of this great activity that they get no credit for. It just gives you a fuzzy feeling.”
This year BYU College of Nursing sent ten volunteers to the games, and Dr. Ruda hopes to double that next year. Lindsay encouraged students to consider participating in the future. “The senior games were absolutely worth my time . . . I got to meet some amazing people, build relationships within the BYU nursing community, and improve my skills for taking vitals and practicing patient care. I learned a lot about health promotion and how to live in a healthy way and encourage others to do the same. If you get the chance, go!!”
To find out how to get involved in future games, contact Dr. Peter Ruda: petr-ruda@byu.edu.