Hibiscusmatters 14 September 2011 | 13 Ag e i n g F E AT U R E
Goldenoldies
Active old age brings benefits that are more than physical People over the age of 60 are to be found in the Coast’s gyms, on the cycle and walking tracks and in the pools. Staying fit as you age provides benefits that are not only physical but social and emotional as well. Hibiscus Matters tracked down a few examples of those who are strong believers in the adage ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’.
Making an appointment to see 79-year-old Elizabeth Hartwell is not easy – if she’s not teaching or taking part in Fitness League classes in Wainui, Red Beach and Whangaparaoa, she can be found rock ‘n’ rolling with the Hibiscus Coast Rock ‘n’ Roll Club. Elizabeth has been active since childhood. Growing up in Scotland, she was a keen player of squash and badminton and also enjoyed ice skating, skiing, Scottish Country dancing and competitive cycling. She joined her sister in Wellington in 1978 and moved to Wainui in 1981 with her husband Brendan. Running a lifestyle block that included 24 sheep, and no dogs, kept her fit in those days. “I herded the sheep myself, which was a great way to keep fit,” Elizabeth says. She has been taking part in the Fitness League’s combination of Yoga, Pilates and dancercise since the age of 16 and became an instructor 12 years ago. “Quite a few in the classes are younger than me, but they can’t always keep up with me. The Fitness
League is a great programme for older people because you can take it at your own pace, and it works on two things that go first as you age – balance and posture.” She and dance partner Arthur Bell have also become a popular team demonstrating rock ‘n’ roll dancing on the Coast. Elizabeth says she has found that regular exercise begets more energy. “I am not a couch potato. Perhaps that’s why I don’t have any health issues – but I guess I’ve also been very fortunate to be able to stay so active.” Marlene Hawkings’ trim and energetic physique belies not only her 75 years, but also the fact that she has angina. She says having three stents put in, one this year, has if anything only made her more determined to stay active. She belongs to the Cardiac Club, based at the Leisure Centre in Stanmore Bay and comes to their classes twice a week as well as attending the Fitness League class at Whangaparaoa Hall once a week. A keen walker, she
enjoys a circuit from her home in Matakatia to Tindalls Bay and Manly “when the tide is right”. “If you are sitting at home, you get into a rut,” Marlene says. “Exercising with a group like the Cardiac Club improves fitness and keeps you supple, and you make lots of friends.” Ben Harding joined the Cardiac Club 12 years ago with his wife Shirley, who had recently had a heart attack. The Stanmore Bay couple found the regular gentle exercise beneficial, building up strength and stamina. Ben said his high cholesterol and blood pressure levels were a cause for concern before he started the classes, but both have significantly reduced. At 79, he also enjoys a regular game of table tennis and says staying active is important for your health, whatever your age. Info: The Cardiac Club ph The Leisure Centre, ph 424 1914. The Fitness League, www.thefitnessleague. org.nz or ph 0508 224 687. The Rock ‘n’ Roll club, www.hibiscusrocknroll.co.nz