FEW 81-year-olds are as active as Lois Dennington. Still working full time in Mornington, the octogenarian is set to represent Victoria in five swimming events at the Australian Masters Games. She started competitive swimming after her youngest child left home in 1984 – now she has won so many medals she’s lost track but is hoping to bring home more gold. “I’m competing in five events: three backstroke and two freestyle.”
Ms Dennington holds the Victorian records for the 50, 100 and 200 metres backstroke in the 80-84-year-old category. A key factor in keeping her social and active is regularly attending her swimming club, she says.
An ageing population in the region makes it increasingly important for oldies to keep healthy and active.
Peninsula Health’s successful Ageing Well Expo, held during Seniors Week, is the largest event in the region dedicated to ageing well.
The expo, in its 10th year, offers specialty workshops and stalls covering healthy eating, planning for retirement, power of attorney and mental health.
It is 9.30am-2pm Thursday 8 October at New Peninsula Church, 370 Craigie Rd, Mt Martha.
Details: Peninsula Health Community Health, 5971 9173, or email amurphy@phcn.vic.gov.au
First published in the Mornington News – 29 September 2015
