WILLASTON retiree Margaret Rooney “just laughs” when people tell her she is looking in good shape for her age.
Mrs Rooney recently turned 80, but still regularly exercises with the Gawler Walkers Group and she certainly doesn’t lag behind the rest of the pack.
“I find them a bit slow, I’m out the front setting the field with the men,” she said.
“I can’t go slowly; because I don’t drive anymore, I walk for public transport and that’s kept me in pretty good nick.”
Mrs Rooney was born in Henley Beach in 1939, when her father left for World War Two and she was raised during her early years by her mother.
She said her physical and mental fitness has let her be more independent late in life, and spend more quality time with her
family.
“All my life I’ve not looked my age, even my doctor once doubted how old I am,” Mrs Rooney said.
“I also keep my mind active, I read a lot and I do puzzles.
“I’ve read all my life and brought up five children and 10 grandchildren, so I needed reading in between.
“For the past three weekends, I’ve left here (Gawler) and gone down to Adelaide where I get on the tram down to Glenelg and see my family.”
Diet, a sense of humour, and keeping active have been Mrs Rooney’s secrets to a healthy life.
She said her one tip for all who want to be in good physical shape late in life is “don’t sit down”.
“I have also been a vegetarian for many years, I think that might have something to do with it,” Mrs Rooney said.
“My mother also lived to 89, so it might be genetic.
“I like watching things that are quiet funny, so if you watch things with a sense of humour it helps.”
Mrs Rooney’s vegetarian diet has started to rub off on the rest of her family, although she wouldn’t force her lifestyle on anyone, particularly young kids.
“My grandchildren are pretty fit and I think they look at me,” she said.
“I wouldn’t advocate for young people to start being vegetarians, but my grandchildren are starting to go that way.
“This probably isn’t good for the meat eaters out there whose life depends on eating meat.”