While you wouldn’t normally associate an 84-year-old with gymnastics; Doreen Wilson is no average 84-year-old.
The energetic and passionate senior gymnastics coach is taking Brisbane by storm this week to launch Gymnastic Queensland’s Move for Life program, encouraging Queensland retirees to get off the couch and into the gymnastics club.
As just one of the many Move for Life coaches, Ms Wilson is a big advocate for the program saying it tackles the big fear everyone has when getting older.
“I think all people getting to retirement age have an innate fear that they will start to lose their faculties, even if they don’t admit it to themselves,” said Ms Wilson.
“Let’s face it; it’s a very scary prospect!”
“The good news is that all the research shows having an active body helps – what’s good for the body is definitely good for the brain so we really are telling people to ‘move for life’. If you want to keep your independence and not be a burden on your family — or the healthcare system — get into your local gymnastics club!”
“I must stress that we’re not talking cartwheels, vaults and trampolines, but Move for Life participants underestimate how far they can improve in a short period of time after starting the program and it’s the small changes that get people excited.”
“I’ve had a class member share that they could stand up while putting on trousers rather than sitting on the bed; or get their knee up high enough to do their own shoelaces. When you get to our age that changes everything, most importantly the way you feel about yourself and how long you can maintain your independence.”
Recent research* shows that levels of activity amongst Australians definitely declines with age with just one in three men and one in five women 75 years or over having sufficient levels of physical activity.
Gymnastics Queensland Development Manager Kate Wadkin says Move for Life was launched specifically for a target market looking to improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination and flexibility in a fun, social and welcoming environment.
“The program uses limited equipment as the exercises are very fundamental in nature — it’s about building specific muscle strength to stay mobile and to keep doing the things we do daily, which we really take for granted when we’re younger,” said Ms Wadkin.
“Over 15 gymnastics clubs across Queensland will offer the program in the coming weeks and we expect the phones will be ringing hot so if you are interested, or you‘re thinking of a parent or friend who could benefit we encourage you to visit the website and contact your closest club.”
Ms Wilson has certainly taken the bull by the horns and is passionate about spreading the word and encouraging others to follow suit.
“Move for Life is a great initiative and I love coaching others and seeing how people improve. While the man in my life keeps asking when I am going to retire, when you’ve got a passion about something you’ve got to stick with it. My passion is staying alive and enjoying it!”
“I live like that. People say ‘Doreen stop it, lie down, you’re making us tired’ but I’m 48 years old (well, it’s just the figures switched around) and I will keep going for as long as I can.”
For further details on Move for Life and the participating gymnastics clubs, please visit www.moveforlife.org.au.
// Ends.
For further media information, please contact Kristen from Fresh PR & Marketing 0406 546 461 or email kristen@freshprm.com.au.
