Sports
Florida Athlete, 76, Competes In Golf At National Senior Games
The Villages resident is honored as a Humana Game Changer for inspiring others with her passion for staying active.
The National Senior Games, presented by Humana, is the largest multi-sport event in the world for people aged 50+. Ever since the first Games in 1987 in St. Louis, the National Senior Games has sought to motivate adults to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
The 2023 National Senior Games, held in Pittsburgh, included nearly 12,000 athletes from across the country competing in 21 unique sports.
Since 2013, Humana has recognized outstanding athletes – those who exemplify active aging and provide encouragement, motivation, and inspiration for people of all ages to pursue lifelong health – as Humana Game Changers.
Today, Patch is shining a spotlight on Adonica Aune, 76, from The Villages, Florida who competed in golf at the National Senior Games. Not only does she love playing golf, but she is also passionate about inspiring and motivating others to be active no matter their age.
Below, Adonica talks about competing in the 2023 National Senior Games and shares advice for other seniors looking to stay active.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
How long have you been participating in this sport and how did you get started?
I started golfing at the age of 28 when I was pregnant with my third son. A good friend urged me to try golfing as she enjoyed it immensely. After six holes, I begged her to take me home. That same summer in North Dakota, I bought a set of clubs for $60, and that was my commitment to try harder. I found my social life expanded as I visited with new and old friends and duffed my way to betterment.
Can you describe any challenges, health or otherwise, that you had to overcome in order to compete in the National Senior Games?
Through the years, I have had multiple surgeries due to arthritis and osteoporosis. In order to compete at the national level, I have persevered through qualifying rounds. On a personal level, all challenges have kept me focused on good health and doing the best I can for myself — emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
You were one of 28 athletes selected from the thousands competing at the 2023 National Senior Games for the national honor of being named a Humana Game Changer. Can you tell us more about this honor and what it means to you?
I feel honored to be named a Humana Game Changer. I have been challenged by age and health issues, but I continue to enjoy the life of an athlete. I hope my story and all Humana Game Changers inspire others to age in a happy, healthy way.
Why is living a healthy, active lifestyle important to you?
Overall, life is so much sweeter when you feel good about yourself and about those around you. Being active gives you a vibrant social life and raises mental and physical awareness. This makes life more enjoyable not only for yourself but also those with whom you associate, such as friends and family.
What advice do you have for people wanting to be more active who feel like they don’t know where to start?
Just start! Do the best you can! I am definitely not the BEST golfer, and you likely will not be the BEST in your field. There will be days when you do better and feel better. That is your reward. Accept that you are doing something that is good for you!!
Please tell us about your experience competing in the 2023 National Senior Games. What was the best part?
Although I was not able to perform at my best and encountered challenges in competing, I was ecstatic about meeting and playing with a young 91-year-young man in my practice round of golf. He was my inspiration as he was my senior by over 15 years! Yet, he had no trouble mastering stairs AND his golf game. Perhaps the best part of the 2023 National Senior Games is finding inspiration in continuing to conquer the myths associated with aging.
Congratulations, Adonica on your athletic achievements and helping motivate other seniors to lead healthy active lifestyles!
More about Humana: Since 2007, Humana has sponsored the National Senior Games and celebrated senior athletes with the NSGA. Specifically, Humana supports the National Senior Games’ mission to keep active adults healthy through education, fitness and sport.
