Nate, 70 No Test, No Testimony - Senior Planet from AARP

Meet Nate Wilkins.Hes another of the 2025 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes who will be sharing updates on his health and wellness journey through the rest of this year.Nate, age 70, had a life-changing health scare that was a catalyst to dedicating himself full time to fitness.

Today, he works to help others do the same through his businesses and exercise programs.Fitness and wellness are now the pillars of my life, but that wasnt always the case.My journey has been one of transformation, forged through the realities of lifes twists and turns.I have come to understand that true wealth is not measured in material riches but in health, purpose, and resilience.

As someone who collects African and African American artifacts, I find joy in preserving cultural history, but my deepest fulfillment comes from helping others unlock their full potential.Roots of ResilienceGrowing up in a military family meant constant movement, a lifestyle that shaped my adaptability and strength.Each relocation brought new challenges, new environments, and a need to adjust quickly.In one relocation to Atlanta, Georgia, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend Ebenezer Baptist Church.

It was here that I met Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.and his familya profound experience that left a lasting imprint on my values and vision for the future.

I also began to develop a deeper appreciation for community.The exposure to different ways of life reinforced my ability to navigate change with confidence.Our journey then took us overseas to Mannheim, Germany, where I deepened my understanding of cultural diversity.The exposure to different ways of life reinforced my ability to navigate change with confidence.

Eventually, we settled in Fort Riley, Kansas, where my future began to take shape.Commitment to GrowthMy drive for exploration and discipline led me to join the U.S.Navy, after graduating from Junction City High School.My first duty station was Pearl Harbor, and I also traveled to the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tokyo.

These experiences deepened my understanding of service and commitment and broadened my perspective, teaching me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of global connections.After completing my military service, I earned my degree at Kansas State University and secured my first full-time job in Parks and Recreation in Topeka, Kansas.It didnt take long for me to realize that continued education unlocked greater opportunities.While working full-time, I earned a Masters degree from the University of Kansas.

I was now both a Wildcat and a Jayhawkan unusual but meaningful blend that represented my commitment to growth and learning.These formative years of exploration, education, and perseverance laid the foundation for my career in Recreation Administration Management.In this role, I developed relationships across the country that deepened my love for community engagement and reinforced my passion for creating spaces that empower others.The Test: A Health ScareDespite my professional success, I faced a personal crisis that would change the course of my life.At one point, I weighed more than 230 poundsa result of overindulging in the good life, eating the wrong foods and staying out too late with friends.

I was unaware that my lifestyle choices were leading me down a dangerous path.Then came the wake-up call: I began experiencing heart issues.It was a moment of reckoningone that forced me to take a hard look at my health and priorities.I knew I had to make a change.True strength [is] cultivating a mindset of resilience, purpose, and longevity.Through dedication, discipline, and a commitment to self-care, I shed more than 50 pounds.

This transformation was also a mental and emotional awakening that health is the foundation of everything.I discovered that true strength isnt just about physical fitnessits about cultivating a mindset of resilience, purpose, and longevity.A New MissionThis journey led me to dedicate my life to helping others thrive at every stage of life.My experiences inspired the creation of the Ageless Workout Method, a holistic approach to fitness that celebrates the power of aging with purpose and positivity.I became certified in fitness and wellness coaching and corrective exercise, allowing me to work with individuals facing chronic conditions such as Parkinsons disease, stroke recovery, and cardiac rehabilitation.

My special focus on pro-aging and longevity has reinforced my belief that aging should not be viewed as a decline but as an opportunity for vitality and reinvention.Sharing the MessageAging is not a barrierits an opportunity to redefine your potential.Through partnerships, speaking engagements, and writing a book, Ive had the privilege of sharing actionable wellness strategies to people of all ages and backgrounds.I actively share insights through my social media platforms.I have been featured on podcasts and produced virtual mens health conferences.

Additionally, I have collaborated with fitness and wellness venues to bring high-quality programs.My message is clear: Aging is not a barrierits an opportunity to redefine your potential.I hope you can join me on Wednesday, April 16 at 1:30pm EDT for my special event: Ageless Mind & Body Wellness.Learn how to improve your flexibility, balance, grip strength, and core stability, while also supporting mental clarity and emotional well-being.

(Exercises will be inclusive and adaptable for all abilities.)In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join ourdaily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up forThe 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 Nate Wilkins