It’s “lovely” when someone asks Connie Forster how old she is.
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They’re always very surprised to find out she’s 90. They’ll be even more surprised in a few weeks, when Mrs Forster turns 91.
Mrs Forster attributes her good health to weekly exercise classes for women over 50, consisting of exercise and dancing.
The classes aren’t just quietly moving around. Instructor Estelle Waterman makes sure the ladies get their hearts beating.
Mrs Waterman herself is 85. She’s been instructing the classes for 50 years now. About 40 women, aged from 60-90 attend.
It all began when Mrs Waterman realised there were no excercise classes for people in an older age bracket. So she decided to begin one.
The jumping around is certainly good for the women’s bodies, but it’s also good for their brains. And for many of the women, who may live alone, it’s a social outing or well.
“Life is a gift. Use it or lose it,” Mrs Waterman said.
Her mantra for the women is: “I’m alive, I’m fortunate, I feel great.”
Class member Phyllis Jennings doesn’t feel old, but she is turning 90 in a few weeks.
Mrs Jennings has had two hip operations, but she’s still dancing. She began at the classes aged around 70.
Read more: Over 60s exercise guidelines published
Mrs Jennings doesn’t think she’d be as fit and healthy as she is now without the classes. It’s kept her fit, and given her strong legs and arms.
“I love the exercise, a very good instructor with Estelle, and the girls,” Mrs Jennings said.
Mrs Forster thinks beginning exercise classes is the best thing she’s ever done for her health.
At nearly 91, she has no major health issues. In fact, Mrs Forster thinks she’s probably fitter that when she began the classes, in her early 70s.
And she plans to keep on dancing.
"As long as the Lord will let me live and I'm able and to think straight and I'm able to drive," she said.
"I enjoy the exercise, it makes me feel good. At this age it's important association with people, rather than sitting at home on your own."
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