The Ruskin Monsters of Mayhem danced their way to a championship on Thursday, July 30, winning the Dance Challenge at Hillsborough County Aging Services' annual Brain and Body Challenge.

More than 400 seniors ages 50 and up competed in the superhero-themed event, which paired physical contests with cognitive games across teams from senior centers countywide, the Osprey Observer reported.

Participants arrived dressed as their favorite heroes and villains. They faced off in a World Cup-style penalty kick challenge, an NBA-inspired basketball free throw contest, a dance-off, and quiz-style mental games testing memory, focus, and problem-solving. Two timed brain competitions, color stacking and puzzle completion, rounded out the individual events.

Roman Delosseentos, a Ruskin Senior Center resident attending for the first time, said his favorite part was playing basketball.

"It was wonderful meeting new people and seeing the care and attention given to seniors," Delosseentos said. "You can tell they truly look after their community."

In the overall team competition, the Progress Village Black Panthers took first place, followed by the Town 'N Country Crimson Avengers in second and the Plant City Spicy Strawberries in third. Individual winners in soccer, basketball, color stacking, and puzzle completion represented senior centers in Progress Village, Oaks at Riverview, Ruskin, Brandon, Plant City, and JL Young.

Fifteen sponsors supported the event. Hillsborough County Aging Services says pairing physical movement with mental engagement supports overall wellness, sharpens cognitive skills, and helps maintain daily vitality for older adults.

What's next for South Shore seniors

The 45th Annual Tampa Bay Active Life Games, an Olympic-style competition for adults 50 and older, runs Sept. 28 through Oct. 9 at locations throughout Hillsborough County. The two-week event includes track and field, basketball, bag toss, pickleball, and more. It also serves as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games. Registration costs $35 for one or multiple events and closes Sept. 7.

Hillsborough County Aging Services hosts a Bone Health Workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Town 'N Country Senior Center, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa. The session features expert insights and on-site bone density screenings for adults 50 and older in partnership with NCOA. Spots are limited.