One Family, Three Generations of Athletes: How the Smith Family Stays Active and Connected Through the National Senior Games

Dwight Smith, 94, a longtime Humana member, grew up playing basketball during childhood but stepped away from the game when he started a family. At age 63, he rediscovered his love for the sport and attended his first National Senior Games in 1993. Dwight hasn’t missed competing in the Games in 30 years. ​

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.’​

Dwight, aka PawPaw, heads up three generations of the Smith family from Baton Rouge, La., who are competing in the National Senior Games this year. Sports, athletics and active aging have become a family affair and help to strengthen their connections with each other and their teammates.​

Dwight is joined by his son Terry, 74, a Humana member and eight-time National Senior Games athlete, and his granddaughter, Christi, 51, who is making her National Senior Games debut on the pickleball court alongside her dad.​

“It is so exciting because pickleball is new to me,” said Christi. “When I got close to 50, PawPaw suggested that I join the Senior Games. My dad, without hesitation, said, ‘I’ll be your partner.’ It’s great because we get to spend time together and have fun doing it while making each other laugh.”​

Being active and having fun while doing so helps the Smith family stay connected. “It brings the family together,” said Terry. “And it’s something we can pass on to the next generation. The sport may change but we can still cheer each other on and have a good time doing it. So that’s what makes it really fun.”

You don’t have to compete in the National Senior Games to be active and ‘booming’ like the Smith family. 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.