How Swimming Helped DeEtte Find Her Second Wind

​DeEtte Sauer, 82, Humana Medicare Advantage member, is a poster child for healthy aging, thanks to regular physical activity. Though fitness was not always a priority for DeEtte who grew up in southern Louisiana immersed in a culture of heavy food, heavy drinking and heavy partying.​

After DeEtte stopped drinking at age 38, she slowly gained over 100 pounds. When she was diagnosed with severe arterial blockages, her doctor advised that without regular exercise and lifestyle changes her health was in danger. She took his advice to heart and decided it was time  to get up and get active.​

​Growing up, DeEtte always had a strong love for sports, but was taught that athletic pursuits were not something that ‘proper’ young ladies participated in, especially alongside men. Despite this, DeEtte eventually found her passion when she jumped in the local swimming pool and decided to join a swim team in her late fifties.​

“I was working out at the club, and I met a woman who had been to the National Senior Olympics,” said DeEtte. “And it was like, ‘What? There’s an Olympics for older people, maybe I could do something. I’ve watched my children swim. I’ll go swim.’”​

​DeEtte has made a splash in her life by picking up swimming — Not only has she fallen in love with the sport, but she’s living a healthier and happier lifestyle because of it. Swimming has led to countless other wins in her life, including a sense of community and camaraderie, and more than a handful of medals.​

Honored as an inaugural Humana Game Changer ten years ago, DeEtte looks forward to competing at the National Senior Games for her 13th year!

Humana is proud to sponsor the National Senior Games—the largest event in the world for athletes aged 50 to 100+—and to recognize ‘Game Changing’ seniors competing during this year’s event, hosted July 7-18 in Pittsburgh, Pa.​

Game Changer athletes have powerful stories that break the stereotypes of getting older. Today’s seniors aren’t just aging; they are healthy, they are active and they are ‘booming.’ ​

You don’t have to compete in the National Senior Games to be active and ‘booming.’ Pick up an activity, grab a friend and get out there to feel your healthiest best.​

To watch more Humana Game Changer stories, visit huma.na/SeniorGames. ​

​Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.