For the sixth yr, Senior Planet from AARP put out the decision for “Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes” — adults age 60 and older who’re enthusiastic about health, have recognized their wellness-related objectives, and are prepared to share their experiences to encourage different older adults. After studying via some unbelievable purposes, a range committee from Senior Planet chosen 5 new older grownup athletes. Their tales impressed us, and — we predict — will encourage you:
Adapting as We Age
“My objectives are to share with the neighborhood an method to bettering power and energy, gaining flexibility and steadiness, and constructing stronger bones.” -Steven Berkowitz
Steven’s health journey started in 1983. It was a chilly January 1st night when he placed on some previous denims, a sweat high, and previous sneakers, and ran a half mile loop in his neighborhood. On the finish of his run, he was chilly, his face was flushed, and he was euphoric! Since that first run, Steven hasn’t seemed again. He elevated his distance and endurance, ultimately working his means as much as working in, 5K, 10K, and 10 mile races, and three marathons.
As he aged and listened to his physique, Steven ultimately hung up his trainers and pivoted his focus to flexibility, power coaching, and diet. Initially hoping to construct a “seashore physique” in his youthful years, Steven has now adopted a weightlifting program targeted on sustaining practical power.
“I’m honored and thrilled to be chosen as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete. I look ahead to being an envoy to the broader Senior Planet neighborhood. The last word aim is to extend the well being span and independence of older adults.”
Life with Power and Function
“I’m deeply honored and excited to be chosen as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete! This chance looks like a significant recognition of my dedication to staying energetic and galvanizing others to embrace health and wellness as a method to age with power, positivity, and angle.” -Shebah Carfagna
Shebah’s journey within the health trade was impressed by private challenges, together with elevating a particular wants son, which led her to view train as a type of medication. This perception drove her to ascertain Panache Health Firm in 2005, a platform that delivers each conventional health providers and specialised applications for people with continual circumstances or distinctive well being challenges.
After her personal whole hip alternative process in 2018, Shebah’s resilience allowed her to return to her energetic life-style. Immediately, her experience spans a number of disciplines, with certifications in Spin, Pilates, TRX, aqua health, and group health.
As a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, Shebah’s aim is to encourage and empower others within the Senior Planet neighborhood to prioritize motion and self-care, proving that it’s by no means too late to realize new milestones, construct resilience, and dwell life with power and goal.
Turning 60, Coaching for 80
“My hope is to encourage and encourage as many 50+ internal athletes to be probably the most functioning folks they are often and do what they love for many years to come back.” -Arlette Godges
Arlette is bodily therapist and a lifelong swimmer, competing with Masters Swimmers all the world over. This previous yr, she was a 2-time World Champion on the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Doha Qatar! Arlette can be a 5-time World File holder together with her group relay.
Arlette is dedicated to preventative geriatric care and protecting folks transferring, wholesome, and doing what they wish to do and thriving. She has a free Instagram account (@ageupwell) devoted to being a job mannequin, getting folks safely in higher form, and assembly health objectives. Arlette’s motto this previous yr was “Turning 60 and coaching for 80!”
As a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, Arlette is “excited to be the face of a really constructive and wholesome growing old marketing campaign.” She is dedicated to being an instance for wholesome life spans, and appears ahead to connecting with the Senior Planet neighborhood.
It’s By no means Too Late
“This chance represents an opportunity to assist encourage and join with different people who’re excited by loving life at a deeper, extra fulfilling stage. I’m trying ahead to studying extra about others, their distinctive tales, and what drives them to embrace well being, wellness, expertise and pro-aging.” -Nate Wilkins
Nathaniel “Nate” Wilkins is the founding father of the AgelessWorkout Technique and Altering Lives program. With over 27 years of expertise in health administration, Nate is dedicating the second half of his life to empowering others to age with vitality, power, and goal. Nate’s work as a health coach is grounded in science and empathy, specializing in independence and high quality of life at each stage. He takes a holistic method to wellness that integrates practical health, mobility, and power.
Nate has additionally had the privilege of working with people dealing with continual circumstances corresponding to Parkinson’s illness, most cancers restoration, and cardiac rehabilitation, serving to them reclaim their vitality and confidence. Nate makes use of his platform to problem stereotypes about growing old, advocate for more healthy existence, and encourage resilience.
Nate believes that growing old is just not a limitation, however a gateway to development, power, and renewed goal. As a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, Nate goals to function a dwelling instance of the transformative energy of motion, mindfulness, and connection, demonstrating that it’s by no means too late to pursue private development and obtain new ranges of vitality.
You Can Do It!
“As a Sponsored Athlete, I wish to encourage the Senior Planet neighborhood to search out the health exercise they take pleasure in – to not fear about whether or not they’re good at it or not, simply do it and have enjoyable! And they’re going to get higher with observe.” -Laurie Willis
As a child, bodily schooling was at all times Laurie’s least favourite class, and he or she was among the many final picked for any group. (“The one factor I used to be good at was protecting rating!”) The one bodily exercise Laurie did take pleasure in was dance, often taking dance courses or going out dancing through the years.
After retiring, considered one of Laurie’s objectives was to strive some kind of dance or health class. After discovering out that her Medicare plan included a free fitness center membership, Laurie joined and found Zumba (dance health) courses. Whereas tough to maintain up to start with, Laurie saved at it, and two years later she is attending courses 5-6 days per week! This month, she acquired her teacher’s certification for Zumba Gold, a low-impact model of Zumba geared towards seniors and others with restricted mobility.
As a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, Laurie’s aim is to show Zumba Gold to others like herself – individuals who really feel uncomfortable or “not adequate” to take part in health actions, or who battle with getting the cling of issues that others appear to choose up simply. “I wish to present them they CAN do it!”
The right way to Observe Alongside
Every Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete has an inspiring story and a novel perspective on health, and every makes use of expertise to help their health routines. All yr lengthy, they’ll be inviting us into their lives, and sharing their challenges and successes by writing weblog posts right here at seniorplanet.org/athletes. They’ll additionally host digital health occasions all year long that you could take part in.
Need to compensate for the tales from final yr’s athletes? Click on right here! In want of a bit of motivation to get transferring? Be part of our each day well being and wellness applications, subscribe to Senior Planet on YouTube, join our weekly newsletters, and observe us on social media (Fb | X (Twitter) | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You would possibly simply discover a new love for health alongside the way in which!
