Take Your Next Step: Sponsored Athletes 2025 Wrap-Up
The Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete program has entered its sixth year, kicking off in 2025 with five remarkable older adult athletes who have inspired us through their dedication to dance, swim, and train. As the program wraps up, we took the opportunity to ask our athletes a few final questions:
- What has been the highlight of your wellness journey during your time as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete?
- What final tips or advice do you have for our community?
- What does “Aging with Attitude” mean to you?
Steven Berkowitz, 73
“My biggest highlight has been sharing with the community that strength and power training are achievable at any age. Focusing on functional movements with dumbbells and bodyweight exercises has allowed me to engage in everyday activities. Additionally, sharing key lessons from my four-decade fitness journey has been incredibly rewarding. Being part of a community that values progress at every age has motivated me immensely.
“View fitness as a lifelong practice, not a short-term fix.”
My final piece of advice is to keep your training simple, consistent, and purposeful. Embrace power and strength work, as these are vital for maintaining independence and resilience as we age. Always listen to your body. (I repeat: listen to your body!) Adjust your routine as needed, but never underestimate your capabilities. Most importantly, view fitness as a lifelong journey, not a quick fix.
Aging with attitude means rejecting the notion that getting older equates to becoming weaker or less capable. It’s about showing up with confidence, even when life presents challenges. It’s about training for strength, power, and function – not for appearance, but to thrive. It’s a mindset that views age as wisdom, not a limitation.
Channeling my inner Teddy Roosevelt, it’s not the critic who counts, nor the skeptic who scoffs from the sidelines as the years pass. The credit belongs to the older adult who rises early, laces up worn shoes, and enters the arena of sweat and resistance, declaring — not with youthful arrogance, but with seasoned resolve — ‘I will not go quietly.’ ”
Shebah Carfagna, 68
“The greatest highlight of my journey as a 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete has been the chance to share my message of aging well through fitness and a positive mindset with a broader audience. Meeting and learning from fellow Sponsored Athletes was empowering! Each person brought their unique story and motivation, yet we were united by a common mission: to demonstrate what’s possible in what my partner and fellow Sponsored Athlete, Nate, and I call The New, New Age of Aging. Together, we represent fitness, movement, hope, resilience, and purpose.
“Aging with attitude is standing tall – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally – and saying ‘I’m still here, and I’m still growing.’”
Presenting in July, just days after my second hip replacement, and discussing pain management and resilience was overwhelming, as I was in the same boat. I hope I offered someone hope, strength, and courage to face joint replacement challenges, demonstrating that recovery can lead to positive and fulfilling outcomes.
My final advice is simple: Keep moving in the right direction. Aging is not a disease; it’s a gift…just like the present! Staying present is half the battle. Movement matters, as does how you feel. Seek out spaces like Senior Planet’s free fitness programs where you feel supported, inspired, and valued.
Aging with attitude means rejecting the stereotypes of how aging should look. It’s about what’s meaningful to you in the quality time remaining: creating a better healthspan, spending time with family, traveling, exploring new hobbies, volunteering, and more. It’s about standing tall – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally – and declaring, ‘I’m still here, and I’m still growing.’”
Stay connected with Shebah at @panachefitness!
Arlette Godges, 61
“Serving as a 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete was both an honor and a privilege. As I turn 62 this year, I recognize the challenges we face as an aging population – and there are many of us! As a physical therapist, I see many peers struggling with comorbid issues, loss of mobility, and chronic diseases. Education, access to classes, communities, and personalized care are crucial.
“Sometimes a ‘win’ is simply getting out the door with tennis shoes on and starting a journey towards health.”
As a Sponsored Athlete, I reached individuals and groups to enhance their wellness, boost motivation, and exemplify fitness and healthy aging. Few of us compete internationally and win, but sometimes a “win” is just stepping out the door and beginning a health journey! As a graduate of the Harvard Lifestyle & Wellness certificate program and a physical therapist and wellness coach, I can assure you that DOING beats planning-to-do.
“Aging up well” (Age Up Well™, my company) means aging with attitude in every aspect! Ask questions. Demand answers. Reject aging stereotypes. Be yourself, and live fully. Find a supportive community. Eat well. Discover joy in new recipes and movement! 60 is the new 80, and we are destined to live long; let’s ensure we are healthy in body and mind.
DO THE WORK. Healthy aging doesn’t come from a pill; it comes from community, movement, healthy eating, demanding proper healthcare (not sick care), embracing challenges, and having fun! Please follow my journey at @ageupwell as I continue to serve us, aging boldly with strength and stamina. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!”
Nate Wilkins, 71
“The greatest highlight of my journey as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete has been the people. Being an ambassador for the program allowed me to connect with and learn from an incredible group of older adults who exemplify that aging does not mean fading – it means evolving.
Most meaningful was the chance to touch more lives. Witnessing someone smile during a fitness session, move with newfound confidence, or believe in themselves again – that’s the real highlight!
“Just take the next step – whether that’s trying a new class, meeting new people, or showing up consistently for yourself.”
My advice is straightforward: stay engaged and connected. Movement matters, but so does community. Avoid isolation. Growth occurs when we share energy, stories, and experiences with others. Also, give yourself permission to evolve. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just take the next step – whether that’s trying a new class, meeting new people, or consistently showing up for yourself.
Aging with attitude means rejecting outdated limits on who you are and what you can achieve. It’s about waking up each day with purpose, pride, and presence! It’s recognizing that your life experience has value, your body responds to care and movement, and your voice matters. This isn’t about chasing youth; it’s about owning your season.”
Stay connected with Nate at @agelessworkout_method!
Laurie Willis, 68
“When I began this year, I was just embarking on my journey as a Zumba instructor. Now, I’m teaching Zumba Gold at a gym and in my senior community. I love sharing my passion with my students! I also enjoyed the presentations I gave for Senior Planet. Being a 2025 Sponsored Athlete helped me gain the confidence to exceed my original expectations. I never anticipated teaching as much as I do, and new opportunities keep arising.
“Find an activity that you love, and do it! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just enjoy moving your body.”
My advice remains the same: find an activity you love and do it! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just enjoy moving your body. Zumba and other dance forms are particularly beneficial as we age, enhancing both physical and mental health.
Aging with attitude means staying active, expanding our horizons, exploring new interests, making new friends, and being open to the unexpected. Don’t settle for merely existing – keep enjoying life!”
Great news for anyone ready to move & groove: Laurie will be hosting virtual Zumba Gold sessions with Senior Planet in 2026! Subscribe to our Health & Wellness Newsletter to be notified of her first programs kicking off in March.
Looking Back, and Ahead!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our incredible athletes who shared their personal wellness journeys with the Senior Planet community this year. We wish everyone a safe and healthy 2026! To revisit everyone’s stories and blog entries, visit seniorplanet.org/athletes.
Stay tuned for a big reveal as we announce the 2026 Sponsored Athletes in February!
Sean Cruse is the Senior Communications Manager at Senior Planet & OATS from AARP. With over 10 years in nonprofit and social good communications, Sean is involved in all aspects of Senior Planet communications, from email newsletters (sign up here!) to creative projects. He also co-leads the Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete program and loves helping our team of amazing senior athletes share their stories.
The Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete program has entered its sixth year, kicking off in 2025 with five remarkable older adult athletes who have inspired us through their dedication to dance, swim, and train. As the program wraps up, we took the opportunity to ask our athletes a few final questions:
- What has been the highlight of your wellness journey during your time as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete?
- What final tips or advice do you have for our community?
- What does “Aging with Attitude” mean to you?
Steven Berkowitz, 73
“My biggest highlight has been sharing with the community that strength and power training are achievable at any age. Focusing on functional movements with dumbbells and bodyweight exercises has allowed me to engage in everyday activities. Additionally, sharing key lessons from my four-decade fitness journey has been incredibly rewarding. Being part of a community that values progress at every age has motivated me immensely.
“View fitness as a lifelong practice, not a short-term fix.”
My final piece of advice is to keep your training simple, consistent, and purposeful. Embrace power and strength work, as these are vital for maintaining independence and resilience as we age. Always listen to your body. (I repeat: listen to your body!) Adjust your routine as needed, but never underestimate your capabilities. Most importantly, view fitness as a lifelong journey, not a quick fix.
Aging with attitude means rejecting the notion that getting older equates to becoming weaker or less capable. It’s about showing up with confidence, even when life presents challenges. It’s about training for strength, power, and function – not for appearance, but to thrive. It’s a mindset that views age as wisdom, not a limitation.
Channeling my inner Teddy Roosevelt, it’s not the critic who counts, nor the skeptic who scoffs from the sidelines as the years pass. The credit belongs to the older adult who rises early, laces up worn shoes, and enters the arena of sweat and resistance, declaring — not with youthful arrogance, but with seasoned resolve — ‘I will not go quietly.’ ”
Shebah Carfagna, 68
“The greatest highlight of my journey as a 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete has been the chance to share my message of aging well through fitness and a positive mindset with a broader audience. Meeting and learning from fellow Sponsored Athletes was empowering! Each person brought their unique story and motivation, yet we were united by a common mission: to demonstrate what’s possible in what my partner and fellow Sponsored Athlete, Nate, and I call The New, New Age of Aging. Together, we represent fitness, movement, hope, resilience, and purpose.
“Aging with attitude is standing tall – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally – and saying ‘I’m still here, and I’m still growing.’”
Presenting in July, just days after my second hip replacement, and discussing pain management and resilience was overwhelming, as I was in the same boat. I hope I offered someone hope, strength, and courage to face joint replacement challenges, demonstrating that recovery can lead to positive and fulfilling outcomes.
My final advice is simple: Keep moving in the right direction. Aging is not a disease; it’s a gift…just like the present! Staying present is half the battle. Movement matters, as does how you feel. Seek out spaces like Senior Planet’s free fitness programs where you feel supported, inspired, and valued.
Aging with attitude means rejecting the stereotypes of how aging should look. It’s about what’s meaningful to you in the quality time remaining: creating a better healthspan, spending time with family, traveling, exploring new hobbies, volunteering, and more. It’s about standing tall – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally – and declaring, ‘I’m still here, and I’m still growing.’”
Stay connected with Shebah at @panachefitness!
Arlette Godges, 61
“Serving as a 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete was both an honor and a privilege. As I turn 62 this year, I recognize the challenges we face as an aging population – and there are many of us! As a physical therapist, I see many peers struggling with comorbid issues, loss of mobility, and chronic diseases. Education, access to classes, communities, and personalized care are crucial.
“Sometimes a ‘win’ is simply getting out the door with tennis shoes on and starting a journey towards health.”
As a Sponsored Athlete, I reached individuals and groups to enhance their wellness, boost motivation, and exemplify fitness and healthy aging. Few of us compete internationally and win, but sometimes a “win” is just stepping out the door and beginning a health journey! As a graduate of the Harvard Lifestyle & Wellness certificate program and a physical therapist and wellness coach, I can assure you that DOING beats planning-to-do.
“Aging up well” (Age Up Well™, my company) means aging with attitude in every aspect! Ask questions. Demand answers. Reject aging stereotypes. Be yourself, and live fully. Find a supportive community. Eat well. Discover joy in new recipes and movement! 60 is the new 80, and we are destined to live long; let’s ensure we are healthy in body and mind.
DO THE WORK. Healthy aging doesn’t come from a pill; it comes from community, movement, healthy eating, demanding proper healthcare (not sick care), embracing challenges, and having fun! Please follow my journey at @ageupwell as I continue to serve us, aging boldly with strength and stamina. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!”
Nate Wilkins, 71
“The greatest highlight of my journey as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete has been the people. Being an ambassador for the program allowed me to connect with and learn from an incredible group of older adults who exemplify that aging does not mean fading – it means evolving.
Most meaningful was the chance to touch more lives. Witnessing someone smile during a fitness session, move with newfound confidence, or believe in themselves again – that’s the real highlight!
“Just take the next step – whether that’s trying a new class, meeting new people, or showing up consistently for yourself.”
My advice is straightforward: stay engaged and connected. Movement matters, but so does community. Avoid isolation. Growth occurs when we share energy, stories, and experiences with others. Also, give yourself permission to evolve. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just take the next step – whether that’s trying a new class, meeting new people, or consistently showing up for yourself.
Aging with attitude means rejecting outdated limits on who you are and what you can achieve. It’s about waking up each day with purpose, pride, and presence! It’s recognizing that your life experience has value, your body responds to care and movement, and your voice matters. This isn’t about chasing youth; it’s about owning your season.”
Stay connected with Nate at @agelessworkout_method!
Laurie Willis, 68
“When I began this year, I was just embarking on my journey as a Zumba instructor. Now, I’m teaching Zumba Gold at a gym and in my senior community. I love sharing my passion with my students! I also enjoyed the presentations I gave for Senior Planet. Being a 2025 Sponsored Athlete helped me gain the confidence to exceed my original expectations. I never anticipated teaching as much as I do, and new opportunities keep arising.
“Find an activity that you love, and do it! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just enjoy moving your body.”
My advice remains the same: find an activity you love and do it! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just enjoy moving your body. Zumba and other dance forms are particularly beneficial as we age, enhancing both physical and mental health.
Aging with attitude means staying active, expanding our horizons, exploring new interests, making new friends, and being open to the unexpected. Don’t settle for merely existing – keep enjoying life!”
Great news for anyone ready to move & groove: Laurie will be hosting virtual Zumba Gold sessions with Senior Planet in 2026! Subscribe to our Health & Wellness Newsletter to be notified of her first programs kicking off in March.
Looking Back, and Ahead!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our incredible athletes who shared their personal wellness journeys with the Senior Planet community this year. We wish everyone a safe and healthy 2026! To revisit everyone’s stories and blog entries, visit seniorplanet.org/athletes.
Stay tuned for a big reveal as we announce the 2026 Sponsored Athletes in February!
Sean Cruse is the Senior Communications Manager at Senior Planet & OATS from AARP. With over 10 years in nonprofit and social good communications, Sean is involved in all aspects of Senior Planet communications, from email newsletters (sign up here!) to creative projects. He also co-leads the Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete program and loves helping our team of amazing senior athletes share their stories.
