Meet the 2026 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes!

Give Yourself 5 Minutes

“The benefits of movement mean everything as we age. This is way more than just about being an athlete, it’s about aging well.” -Ramona Banks

Ramona Banks – Age 63

Ramona’s journey began with a 5-minute walk. After 10 years of caring for her dad, and in the midst of grieving his passing, she felt weak, sore and stiff. A friend told her to “just move,” and became her coach that day.

Ramona started with that walk, and went on try lifting, cardio, Pilates, and HIIT. She was 58 years old and, even with an artificial knee, felt better than she had her entire life. Today, Ramona participates in low-impact workouts 7 days a week, with one day dedicated to flexibility and mobility, three days for strength, and cardio and core mixed in.

Ramona wants to inspire seniors to move. “Not only do our minds change as seniors, but our bodies change as well, and we need muscle and strength for simple tasks we would have taken for granted when we were younger. Our bodies are designed for movement. Is 5 minutes enough? 5 minutes is a start, and we have to start somewhere. I want to encourage, motivate and inspire others to give yourself 5 minutes.”

On being chosen as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, Ramona says she is honored and overjoyed. “I have never considered myself an athlete, but since starting my journey with exercise and health at this age, I feel more empowered and able to explain the benefits that I have experienced over the past few years. This is way more than just about being an athlete, it’s about aging well.

One of my goals is to motivate and to encourage older participants to listen to their bodies, because your body will let you know how good movement feels. Another goal is the benefits. The benefits of movement mean everything as we age.”

Improvement at Any Age

“This recognition confirmed that my purpose goes beyond me. I want Senior Planet participants to see that progress is possible at any age, and feel confident taking their next step, no matter how small.” -Winston Hall

Winston Hall – Age 77

Some of you might recognize Winston from his “Wellness Wednesday” presentations during last year’s Lunch & Learn series, and we’re thrilled to have him on board as a 2026 Sponsored Athlete!

Winston’s fitness progression began with a realization that reshaped how he views aging: Much of what is often accepted as “normal aging” is actually the result of deconditioning – what happens when we move less, challenge our muscles less, and gradually stop paying attention to our bodies. Once he understood this, Winston’s training took on a new purpose: helping others see that decline isn’t inevitable, and that meaningful improvement remains possible at any age.

In his own life, Winston prioritizes daily movement, weekly strength training, and practical whole food, plant-based nutrition. He also enjoys bicycling and bikepacking. Winston believes strongly that effective exercise programs must feel enjoyable rather than intimidating, realistic rather than overwhelming, and clearly connected to everyday benefits such as mobility, confidence, and independence.

“I feel honored and incredibly excited because this recognition confirmed that my purpose goes beyond me. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate what’s possible after 60, and encourage others to stay strong, stay mobile, and keep moving forward. My goal as a Senior Planet Athlete is to make strong and active aging feel normal, doable, and enjoyable. I want Senior Planet participants to see that progress is possible at any age, and feel confident taking their next step, no matter how small.”

Diving Back In

“I’ll be improving myself and motivating other seniors on their fitness journey. It is my hope that more older adults will realize the reward of self-improvement through their own strength and power.” -Jill Hartzog

Jill Hartzog – Age 65

When Jill turned 50, she realized she was gaining weight, and that it was harder to lose it like when she was younger. That’s when she realized she needed to get serious about moving her body, and the idea of being able to swim came back to her. After jumping into the deep after a 30-year hiatus, Jill has established a new routine – finding swimming to be relaxing, meditative, and physically strengthening.

While Jill was in the pool regularly, she realized she wasn’t gaining muscle. After discovering a neighborhood strength-training gym online, Jill signed up for an intro class. Since April 2024, she’s been working out 2-3x a week. “It’s hard to believe how strong I’m becoming, and how I’m capable of using my own body weight to achieve my workout goals.”

Jill has been volunteering with the Senior Planet program in New York City since October 2024, and we were pleasantly surprised in reading her application for the Sponsored Athlete Program! We can’t wait for her to get started and inspire participants from across the country. Jill emphasizes that in choosing hobbies and activities, it’s important to build relationships. The communities of swimming, strength training and volunteering connects Jill to her love of learning, socializing and giving back.

“I was so delighted when I found out I was selected to be a Senior Planet
Sponsored Athlete,” Jill says. “I have been using my retirement journey to improve myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This opportunity will assist me in my endeavor in many ways. I’ll be improving myself and motivating other seniors on their fitness journey. It is my hope that more older adults will realize the reward of self improvement through their own strength and power.”

The (Formerly) Dirty ‘E’ Word…

“When I started weight training, people encouraged me, and I needed it! My desire is to pay that forward – to connect with others that might need some encouragement in working toward a healthier and therefore happier self. ” -Suzanne Luhr

Suzanne Luhr – Age 68

In 2011, at age 53, Suzanne was hit by a truck while riding her bicycle. With a broken femur, repaired with a rod, and a fractured pelvis, the accident brought her to a standstill. Life went on, and eventually Suzanne recovered, or so she thought. Around 2020, it dawned on her that she could hardly step up with her left leg while hiking. Suzanne began physical therapy, and it was here that she was introduced to the deadlift. “I had never been in a gym in my life and never intended to set foot in one. But this therapy was an important first step for me.”

At the start of 2024, Suzanne heard – through friends in her book club, of all things! – about a senior weight training class that was being offered for free. Today, she’s still going to that gym several times each week. As Suzanne puts it, “The ‘E’ word (exercise) is no longer a dirty word in my vocabulary.”

Suzanne is excited to share her journey in this latest chapter of life – from being knocked down early in her senior years to climbing back up to where she is now – stronger than ever.

“On getting the notification that I had been chosen as a sponsored athlete, I first thought it was a scam (everyone gets those Congratulations! emails, right?); then when I realized it was real, I was over the moon! Then instantly terrified (what if I’m not up to the challenge?), then excitement seeped back in – what an honor!

When I started weight training, people encouraged me, and I needed it! My desire is to pay that forward – to connect with others that might need some encouragement in working toward a healthier and therefore happier self. I feel the camaraderie of a circle of workout friends is all-important to keep us all moving at this age.”

Surviving and Thriving

“My main goals are to encourage others to exercise both the body and the mind, and to encourage learning healthy lifestyles. I want to have fun sharing my experiences and why one of my personal goals is to live a healthy lifestyle beyond 100 years of age!” -Raymond Sol

Raymond Sol – Age 84

After surviving a pulmonary embolism attack, multiple prostate operations, pneumonia, and valley fever, it’s no exaggeration to say that Raymond is a survivor. He is also an entrepreneur and innovator. After a long career as a professor and tai chi instructor, Raymond started a health and wellness consulting business at age 75. “Tai Chi Body Balance LLC” has been in business ever since, offering group and private tai chi classes.

Raymond is also a scholar/presenter with Arizona State University and Penn State University through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program, teaching tai chi virtually and in-person. In his spare time, Raymond gets in touch with his creative side, painting with watercolors, sculpting, and writing short stories. He is excited to bring his expertise to the Senior Planet community!

“I feel greatly honored to have been selected as one of Senior Planet’s 2026 Sponsored Athletes. I will strive to carry forward the great tradition of excellence of previous ambassadors, and I look forward to inspiring others to live healthy lives.

My main goals will be to encourage others to exercise both the body and the mind, and to encourage learning healthy lifestyles. I want to have fun sharing my experiences and why one of my personal goals is to live a healthy lifestyle beyond 100 years of age!”