Meet Arlette Godges. She’s one of many 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes, and she or he’ll be sharing updates on her well being and wellness journey via the remainder of this yr. Arlette, age 60, has had a love for bodily exercise since childhood, which developed right into a lifelong involvement with swimming. Right now, when she’s not coaching for a world championship swimming occasion, she’s additionally a devoted bodily therapist serving to shoppers turn out to be their most wholesome and cell selves.
I’ve been a lifelong athlete, which started with making an attempt every little thing I may as a bit of lady rising up in Zurich, Switzerland. From snowboarding to gymnasium and observe, if it was sports activities associated, I used to be in all the way in which. I even thought ballet can be enjoyable, till I used to be “fired” as a result of I used to be “too athletic”… Oh, properly. The skateboard workforce wanted folks, and I went on to hitch! They didn’t care I used to be the one lady. I additionally had the good board and wheels in Switzerland, as my dad would purchase them in the US – no much less in Santa Cruz – in the identical state the place I reside at this time.
Making a Splash
My actual sports activities love affair began when a pool was in-built my hometown, and I turned a swimmer. My love for the water and sporting competitors has not gone away since then, as I compete in Masters Swimming. I did “retire” from skateboarding in my 40s after I taught my youngsters tips on how to do it – (and purposely by no means instructing them a handstand going downhill, like I had achieved after I was their age!) Nonetheless, I nonetheless rock my skis on the slopes to at the present time.
I problem shoppers over 50 to be the best possible they are often as they develop into new a long time of life. My purpose is to maintain folks transferring and performing in life.
Quick ahead to 2025: I’m turning 61 years outdated this yr. I’ve additionally been a bodily therapist for greater than 35 years, loving my career from day one. All through my profession, my emphasis has tremendously modified. I now am not solely a affected person advocate, however attempt to work in preventative strategy to optimize mobility. I additionally problem shoppers over 50 to be the best possible they are often as they develop into new a long time of life. My purpose is to maintain folks transferring and performing in life. If challenges are encountered, I assist them handle the street bumps with science-based, enjoyable, and sustainable methods to revive and keep perform. I deal with sufferers for his or her future selves.
I additionally practice for my future self and hope to have the ability to do all of the issues I would like in 10, 20, and 30 years. Alongside the way in which, I’ve extra objectives that assist me keep the enjoyable, group, camaraderie, and short-term advantages and rewards. I like to compete and am fortunate to have the ability to practice in a strategy to put together and carry out at my swim meets. This yr, I will likely be competing in Singapore on the World Championships in Masters Swimming, the place I will likely be defending 2 World Champion titles from final yr’s competitors.
Serving to Others
To see folks get higher and thrive is music to my being.
Working with shoppers and sufferers every day is extremely rewarding. To see folks get higher and thrive is music to my being. I additionally love teaching the Masters Staff and watching swimmers of all ranges enhance and love what they do, construct group, and help one another.
I’ve been married to an incredible human for 31 years this yr and am a mom of two grown sons. My home is all the time open and sometimes full. What brings me numerous pleasure is a cuddle with my Saint Bernard Gus, a stroll on the seashore, or an ideal e book. Be part of me on Instagram for health tips about tips on how to transfer, perform, and carry out at your finest: @ageupwell.
You’re Invited
I actually stay up for being a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete this yr and attending to know the Senior Planet group higher at my upcoming digital presentation on Wednesday, March 19 at 1:30pm EDT right here at seniorplanet.org/health. Save the date and keep tuned for extra particulars about this reside train session. I hope to see you all on-line!
In want of a bit of motivation to get transferring? Be part of our day by day well being and wellness packages, keep tuned to the most recent information and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly e-newsletter, and observe us on social media (Fb | YouTube | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You may simply discover a new love for health alongside the way in which!
Photos courtesy of Arlette Godges
