As one of the 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes, Arlette Godges is sharing updates on her health and wellness journey with our community this year. In the spring, Arlette wrote about her lifelong history with fitness, and the concept of “training for the future you.” A physical therapist and competitive swimmer, Arlette had the opportunity to compete at the World Aquatic Masters Championships in Singapore this summer. Today, she’s back to recap her aquatic adventures and accomplishments.

As an ambassador for Senior Planet, a physical therapist, and a lifestyle coach working with people over 50, I am keenly aware of the alternative of healthy aging. Aging is a privilege. When done well, it’s exciting and fun! The following is a recount of a very fun celebration of hard work, focus and commitment.

In August, I had the opportunity to go to Singapore and compete in the World Aquatic Masters Championships. I say opportunity, because it takes commitment, work, planning, and dedication to even think this is an option… let alone a fun way to spend a week-plus after traveling on a 17-hour, non-stop flight!! In the end, it was one of the most fun 10 days – spent with teammates, and meeting swimmers of all ages from all over the world, all excited to showcase their best performances.

All Ages, All Languages, All Winners

There were over 6,000 athletes present, and the ages ranged from 20 to 98. We all were winners; every single person was a winner in those pools. Everyone attending had set a goal, worked toward it and showed up. Showing up is tough, and performing in front of a crowd at a big stage can be scary – especially with only a thin piece of clothing, no make-up, and wet hair!

High fives, smiles, nervous faces, and conversations in all languages filled the locker rooms and hallways. Some of us know each other from our youth competitions decades before. Some are friends we have made along the way. The hugs and stories shared were so much fun, even if we could barely understand each other’s language. We compete fiercely and celebrate each other loudly, even bring gifts, like t-shirts, caps, and bags.

Diving Into Each Day

Days were long at the pool. A typical day was: up at 6am, breakfast, then a ride to the pool with the appropriate matching t-shirt and enough suits and caps, alternate googles, and food & snacks for the day. After arrival at the pool for warm-up, the process continued of putting on the race suit, then getting ready for the process to be filed through the “ready rooms” with validation of credentials. Then, the competition, warm-down, and possibly another event hours later.

There’s lots of down time to ponder why we do this, connect with people, calm our nerves, play back the races in our heads, and consider what will be done different – or the same – for next time. In the end, you hope to leave with a great swim in the books, maybe a medal, and just maybe a PR (personal record). Finally it’s home to rest, a shower, and team dinner where we share our days and celebrate our teammates.

On our day off, we explored the city and took in fun sites, museums, and culture. We got pictures with real clothes (and dry hair)!

Results and Reminders

By now you’re probably wondering how it all went for this Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete… I had a fabulous time and returned with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals! One of my team relays set a World Record, always extra fun!!

A reminder that setting a goal, having a training plan, sticking to it, and being a part of a community is such an insanely rewarding adventure. The bonus is staying fit, agile, and able to DO long flights, travel, navigate cities by foot, and experience the world.

It’s a story about swimming, but really, it’s a story about aging well; aging UP well. We do that best with daily exercise, challenges, being a little scared every once in a while – surrounding ourselves with like-minded people who celebrate and challenge us to be the best version of ourselves.

Your Turn

Ready to challenge yourself? I’m excited to wrap up this year of Sponsored Athlete sessions on Wednesday, December 17 at 1:30pm EST. Save the date, and stay tuned to seniorplanet.org/fitness for the latest info.

Missed my first presentation on chair exercises for older adults? Watch along below, and subscribe to Senior Planet on YouTube for more on-demand content. See you soon!

In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join our daily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | YouTube | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You might just find a new love for fitness along the way!

Images courtesy of Arlette Godges. Learn more about Arlette and her Age Up Well initiative at ageupwell.com and @ageupwell on Instagram.