SA’s Active Ager of the Year lives and breathes fitness
At the age of 105, Thelma Pope lives and breathes wellness and fitness. Her positive outlook and enthusiasm for life is contagious to all she meets. It has also granted the inaugural Wellness & Lifestyles Australia Active Ager of the Year award.
SA’s Active Ager of the Year Thelma Pope enjoying a session at ACH Group’s Kapara’s gym
Mrs Pope, who turns 106 later this month, lives at ACH Group Kapara in Glenelg South Australia. She sets goals for herself that include daily walks and gym attendance and this has enabled her to maintain an active lifestyle into her second century of life.
She continues to participate in many activities at Kapara and attends weekly outings with her family to concerts, museums and family events as well as regular bus and shopping trips. Mrs Pope is a great role model for other residents and is living proof that age is no barrier to a healthy and active life.
“Keeping active brings a lot of benefits to my health, but more than that, I am never bored. I go for walks down the Esplanade and I walk to the grocery shops. I always find something to do,” she says.
“I don’t make excuses either. Even when the weather is cold and windy, I will go out anyway. I am a ‘do it yourself’ person and I believe that you have to give it a go before you say you can’t do something.
“I also eat healthy and have never been to a fast food place either. More people should exercise and be willing to sweat. Age is all in your mind and it should not limit people to do what they love,” says Mrs Pope.
Mrs Pope isn’t the only one receiving an award recently. ACH Group’s commitment to rehabilitation and early intervention by creating a partnership between residents and staff was recognised at this year’s Better Practice Awards from the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
