At WesleyLife, our vision is to be the most dynamic and inclusive champion to revolutionize the experience of aging. That means challenging outdated perceptions—and showing the world that growing older can mean growing bolder.
Nowhere is that vision more alive than at the National Senior Games, where thousands of older adults from across the country gather to compete, connect, and celebrate healthy longevity. As proud sponsors of this year’s Games, we’re honored to witness stories that embody the spirit of possibility we strive to ignite every day.
One of those stories belongs to Vonna, an 85-year-old basketball player who now lives in California but got her start in Storm Lake, Iowa. Vonna, jersey No. 2 for the San Diego-based Golden Girls — whose team members all are in their 80s — is pictured at top running to lend a land and at left with teammate Marilyn.
When Vonna hits the court, she does more than sink shots and block passes: She shatters stereotypes.
"When I was growing up, I had 11 girls in my high-school class and our basketball team wasn't big enough to go to the state tournament, but I was in the state free-throw contest," Vonna says. "I loved to play. I didn't have great expectations around playing at this time in my life, but here I am!"
Roots in 6-on-6
In high school, Vonna played 6-on-6 basketball, which was introduced in Iowa in the early 1900s as a way to encourage girls to participate in sports while maintaining the era’s cultural norms around femininity and exercise. The first girls’ state tournament was held in 1920, but the sport took off in the 1950s, embedding itself deeply in Iowa's culture.
The game's rules called for six players on the court: three forwards and three guards; forwards played only offense on one half of the court, and guards played only defense on the other half. Players could dribble only twice before passing or shooting. The format made for a fast-paced, high-scoring game, and many smaller schools continued playing 6-on-6 till the early 1990s.
Vonna eventually learned the 5-on-5 game, which she plays in her current league, and says the more recent style of play didn't present much of a stretch. "If you know the game, you know the game," she says, adding she has fond memories of playing 6-on-6 and considers it a great way to have learned basketball fundamentals.
Basketball leagues for older women are quite popular in California, Vonna says, adding she become involved several years ago at the urging of friends. She says she enjoys the social benefits of the game as well as the physical perks.
"It's fun to get together with people with similar interests; it keeps your mind fresh and keeps you moving," she says. "I don't think much about my age. I just continue to move and do what I can."
Through Vonna’s story — and countless others like it — we’re reminded that aging is not a decline but a continuum of opportunity. Whether you're lacing up sneakers, picking up a paintbrush, or planning your next adventure, there’s no expiration date on joy or vitality!
To watch the Golden Girls in action, follow them on Instagram: @goldengirlshoops!
The National Senior Games run through August 4 in West Des Moines. You can find a complete list of events here. If you do attend the Games, we'd love to meet you; please stop by and visit WesleyLife in our Olympic Village booth at the Midamerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines.
