Arlette, 60 – Training for the Future You

Meet Arlette Godges. She’s one of the 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes, and she’ll be sharing updates on her health and wellness journey through the rest of this year. Arlette, age 60, has had a love for physical activity since childhood, which evolved into a lifelong involvement with swimming. Today, when she’s not training for a world championship swimming event, she’s also a dedicated physical therapist helping clients become their most healthy and mobile selves.

I have been a lifelong athlete, which began with trying everything I could as a little girl growing up in Zurich, Switzerland. From skiing to gym and track, if it was sports related, I was in all the way. I even thought ballet would be fun, until I was “fired” because I was “too athletic”… Oh, well. The skateboard team needed people, and I went on to join! They didn’t care I was the only girl. I also had the coolest board and wheels in Switzerland, as my dad would buy them in the United States – no less in Santa Cruz – in the same state where I live today.

Making a Splash

My real sports love affair started when a pool was built in my hometown, and I became a swimmer. My love for the water and sporting competition has not gone away since then, as I compete in Masters Swimming. I did “retire” from skateboarding in my 40s after I taught my kids how to do it – (and purposely never teaching them a handstand going downhill, like I had done when I was their age!) However, I still rock my skis on the slopes to this day.

I challenge clients over 50 to be the absolute best they can be as they grow into new decades of life. My goal is to keep people moving and performing in life.

Fast forward to 2025: I am turning 61 years old this year. I’ve also been a physical therapist for more than 35 years, loving my profession from day one. Throughout my career, my emphasis has greatly changed. I now am not only a patient advocate, but strive to work in preventative way to optimize mobility. I also challenge clients over 50 to be the absolute best they can be as they grow into new decades of life. My goal is to keep people moving and performing in life. If challenges are encountered, I help them manage the road bumps with science-based, fun, and sustainable ways to restore and maintain function. I treat patients for their future selves.

I also train for my future self and hope to be able to do all the things I want in 10, 20, and 30 years. Along the way, I have additional goals that help me maintain the fun, community, camaraderie, and short-term benefits and rewards. I love to compete and am lucky to be able to train in a way to prepare and perform at my swim meets. This year, I will be competing in Singapore at the World Championships in Masters Swimming, where I will be defending 2 World Champion titles from last year’s competition.

Helping Others

To see people get better and thrive is music to my being.

Working with clients and patients on a daily basis is incredibly rewarding. To see people get better and thrive is music to my being. I also love coaching the Masters Team and watching swimmers of all levels improve and love what they do, build community, and support each other.

I have been married to an amazing human for 31 years this year and am a mother of two grown sons. My house is always open and typically full. What brings me lots of joy is a cuddle with my Saint Bernard Gus, a walk on the beach, or a great book. Join me on Instagram for fitness tips on how to move, function, and perform at your best: @ageupwell.

You’re Invited

I really look forward to being a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete this year and getting to know the Senior Planet community better at my upcoming virtual presentation on Wednesday, March 19 at 1:30pm EDT. Save the date and click here to join me on Zoom for this live exercise session. I hope to see you all online!

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