Published on Wednesday, 8 January 2020 at 11:53:04 AM
Table tennis might not be everyone’s game, but for 90-year-old Albany lady Teresa Greeve, it’s what keeps her motivated throughout the week as she looks forward to hitting the tables on a Friday morning.
Through her sport, she’s proving age is no barrier to a healthier and happier lifestyle and as the face of the Long Live You summer program is inspiring others over the age of 60 to be more active.
Teresa is no stranger to exercise having been a school champion runner, a keen badminton player, and more than handy with a tennis racquet in her hand before she was struck down with Ross River Virus in 1986.
Whilst grappling with the debilitating virus, Teresa met another lady recovering from a broken tibia and they both decided to get better and fitter together by taking up cycling for a number of years until Teresa decided to hang up her wheels at age 85.
Then in 2011 she decided to pick up a table tennis bat and hasn’t looked back since. “I had to give tennis away and someone suggested coming to table tennis and I look forward to it every Friday because it’s a great club with lovely people, it’s social and we all have a laugh,” Teresa said.
“It might surprise people to know that I’m 90, but you enjoy life better if you are physically fit, there’s nothing you can’t do and I don’t think of my age; I don’t know what age I feel but I don’t feel old, put it that way!”
City of Albany Manager Recreation Services Samantha Stevens said Teresa embodies the Long Live You message and importance of active ageing.
“Teresa is a fantastic champion for our summer program, her persistence in maintaining an active lifestyle despite any obstacles that come her way is a testament to her and she is happier and healthier for it,” she said.
Long Live You offers fun, social and low impact activities across Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker with the Summer Program now taking enrolments at your local leisure centre. The full program is also available at www.albanyleisurecentre.com.au.
Long Live You is supported by Sport Australia’s Move It Aus Grants Program, Live Lighter, Healthway, City of Albany, Shire of Denmark, Shire of Plantagenet, and Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
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