Case Studies

The following inspirational stories are about everyday older people enjoying the health, emotional and social benefits of physical activity.


Vera Cook
You would be hard pressed to believe Vera Cook is a day over 60.  Yet, not so long ago, this vibrant lady turned 90 years old.

Read Vera's story

Ruth Firth
At 100 years old, Brisbane great-grandmother Ruth Frith became the oldest competitor in the World Masters Games in Sydney in 2009.

Ruth won six gold medals in the Games throwing events including shot put and hammer throw.

Ruth, who will be 101 in August this year is remarkably still training and competing, and has recently returned from the 2010 Australian Masters Athletics National Championships in Perth.

Despite her age, Ruth is still training five days a week, which includes strength training using her own weights and equipment on Mondays and Tuesdays, and athletics training on Wednesday and Thursdays and Fridays.

Read Ruth’s story

Anne Gready
Anne Gready and fellow members of the Country Women’s Association have proved that age is no barrier by competing in the VicSuper Murray Marathon in 2009. At 54, Anne competed for the first time in the five day, 404km paddling race on the mighty Murray River, which takes place from December 27 - 31 each year. She had a ball competing and surprised herself that she could do it. “I’d never done anything like the Marathon before. I’m not a sporty person at all, I play lawn bowls and that’s about it,” said Anne.

Read Anne’s story

Moss Bourke
Never having been to a gym before was not going to stop Pakenham’s Moss Bourke from getting on top of his fitness and controlling his life-long diabetes.

When Moss and wife Joy moved from an undulating farm to a house block, Moss, 65 began to gain some weight and noticed he could not quite keep up with his young grandson the way he’d like to.

Read Moss’s story

Val Barass
Eighty-one year old Bellbird Park YMCA member Val Barrass is a great example.  She has used the Strong Movers fitness classes at the centre to assist her recovery from stroke and heart attack.  As part of her recovery, Val participated in strength training, cardio and stretching.  She is now keen to return to the Warragul Golf Course to pursue her love of golf.

Read Val's story 

Christine Wynter
Christine Wynter of Phillip Island who was morbidly obese and in poor health suffering from a number of ailments after being housebound for more than 20 years, lost around 40 kilograms and ended her dependence on a walking frame and stick for mobility.